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INTERNATIONAL   BUREAU   OF 
THE   AMERICAN    REPUBLICS 

WASHINGTON,    D.  C. 


IT 


AMERICAN     *7 
CONSTITUTIONS 


A  COMPILATION  OF  THE 
POLITICAL  CONSTITUTIONS  OF 
THE  INDEPENDENT  NATIONS 
OF  THE  NEW  WORLD  *>  WITH 
SHORT  HISTORICAL  NOTES 
AND    VARIOUS    APPENDIXES 


By 
JOSE   IGNACIO   RODRIGUEZ 

Chief  Translator  and  Librarian 


VOLUME   I  JULY,  1905 


WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT    PRINTING    OFFICE  ^ 

1906 


While  the  utmost  care  is  taken  to  insure  accuracy  in  the  publications  of  the  Inter- 
national Bureau  of  the  American  Republics,  no  pecuniary  responsibility  is  assumed 
on  account  of  errors  which  may  be  found  in  them. 


Aunque  se  pone  el  mayor  cuidado  en  que  todo  lo  que  se  diga  en  las  publicaciones 
de  la  Oficina  Internacional  de  las  Repiiblicas  Americanas  sea  perfectamente  correcto, 
no  se  asume  responsabilidad  pecuniaria  por  razon  de  los  errores  que  puedan  encon- 
trarse  en  ellas. 


Co  ?.^- 

INTRODUCTORY. 


The  present  compilation  has  been  distributed,  for  convenience  of  the 
student,  into  four  parts  and  an  Appendix.  The  first  and  second  parts 
constitute  Volume  I.  The  third  and  fourth  parts  form  Volume  II. 
The  Appendix  and  the  Index  are  contained  in  Volume  III. 

Fart  First  comprises  the  Constitutions  of  those  countries,  five  at 
present,  which  are  Unions  of  States  or  Provinces  organized  under  a 
federal  compact.  These  Constitutions  are  given  in  the  order  of  their 
respective  promulgation.  Each  one  appears  in  its  original  language, 
with  its  translation  into  Spanish  or  English,  as  the  case  may  be,  the 
two  texts  being  printed  in  parallel  columns  to  facilitate  comparison. 

The  Constitution  of  Brazil  is  given  in  Portuguese  and  English,  and 
also  in  Spanish. 

Part  Second  contains  the  Constitutions  of  Guatemala,  El  Salvador, 
Nicaragua,  Costa  Rica,  Honduras,  and  Panama,  in  Spanish  and  English. 

Part  Third  is  made  up  of  the  Constitutions  Of  the  Dominican  Repub- 
lic, Haiti,  and  Cuba.  The  Constitution  of  Haiti  is  given  in  French  and 
English,  and  also  in  Spanish.  >. 

Part  Fourth  embraces  the  Constitutions  of  all  the  South  American 
Republics,  excepting  the  Argentine  Republic,  Brazil,  and  Venezuela, 
which  are  included  in  Part  First.  All  of  these  are  given  in  Spanish 
and  English. 

The  Appendix  will  present  to  the  student's  consideration  the  "Arti- 
cles of  Confederation  and  Perpetual  Union "  which  preceded  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  United  States  of  America,  the  Constitution  of  the 
great  Colombia,  a  Confederation  which  by  its  dissolution  gave  rise  to 
the  Republics  of  Venezuela,  New  Granada  and  Ecuador, — the  Consti- 
tution of  the  United  Provinces  of  Central  America  (Las  Provincias 
Unidas  de  Centro  America),  a  Confederation  which  was  created  in  1824, 
and  some  other  documents  of  not  less  important  character,  illustrating 
the  development  of  political  life  in  the  nations  of  the  New  World. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOLUME  I. 


PART  FIRST.— FEDERAL  UNIONS. 

1.  The  United  States  of  America:  Page. 

Historical  notes 9 

List  of  important  books  to  be  consulted  in  reference  to  the  Constitution 

of  the  United  States  of  America 12 

Constitution  and  amendments 13 

2.  The  United  Mexican  States: 

Historical  notes 37 

List  of  important  books  to  be  consulted  in  reference  to  the  Constitution 

of  the  United  Mexican  States 38 

Constitution  and  amendments 39 

3.  The  Argentine  Nation: 

Historical  notes 97 

List  of  important  books  to  be  consulted  in  reference  to  the  Constitution 

of  the  Argentine  Nation 98 

Constitution  and  amendments 99 

4.  The  United  States  of  Brazil:  ' 

Historical  notes. ..'. ' 133 

List  of  important  books  to  be  consulted  in  reference  to  the  Constitution 

of  Brazil 133 

Constitution  ( Portuguese-English ) 134 

Constitution  (Spanish) 171 

5.  The  United  States  of  Venezuela: 

Historical  notes 191 

List  of  important  books  to  be  consulted  in  reference  to  the  Constitution 

of  the  United  States  of  Venezuela 191 

Constitution 192 

PART  SECOND.— THE  REPUROCS  OF  CENTRAL  AMERICA. 

1.  Republic  of  Guatemala: 

Historical  notes 235 

List  of  important  books  to  be  consulted  in  reference  to  the  Constitution 

of  Guatemala 235 

Constitution  as  amended 236 

2.  Republic  of  Salvador: 

Historical  notes 259 

Constitution 260 

3.  Republic  of  Nicaragua: 

Historical  notes 299 

List  of  important  books  to  be  cousulted  in  reference  to  the  Constitution 

of  Nicaragua 299 

Constitution  as  amended 300 

4.  Republic  of  Costa  Rica: 

Historical  notes 325 

List  of  important  books  to  be  consulted  in  reference  to  the  Constitution 

of  Costa  Rica 325 

Constitution  as  amended 326 

5.  Republic  of  Honduras: 

Historical  notes 359 

Constitution 360 

6.  Republic  of  Panama: 

Historical  notes 391 

Constitution 392 

5 


PART   FIRST 


FEDERAL    UNIONS 

THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA 
THE  UNITED  MEXICAN   STATES 
THE  ARGENTINE  NATION 
THE   UNITED   STATES  OF  BRAZIL 
THE   UNITED  STATES  OF  VENEZUELA 


THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES. 

The  unanimous  declaration  made  at  Philadelphia,  on  July  4,  1776, 
by  duly  elected  representatives  of  the  Colonies  of  New  Hampshire, 
Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  plantations,  Con- 
necticut, New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland, 
Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  and  Georgia,  in  General 
Congress  assembled,  after  explaining  the  causes  which  impelled  the 
people  of  said  Colonies  to  shake  off  their  allegiance  to  the  British 
Crown,  stated  as  follows: 

"We,  therefore,  *  *  *  appealing  to  the  Supreme  Judge  of 
the  World  for  the  rectitude  of  our  intentions,  do,  in  the  name,  and 
by  authority  of  the  good  people  of  these  Colonies,  solemnly  publish 
and  declare:  That  these  United  Colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought  to  be, 
free  and  independent  States;  that  they  are  absolved  from  all  allegi- 
ance to  the  British  Crown,  and  that  all  political  connection  between 
them  and  the  State  of  Great  Britain  is,  and  ought  to  be,  totally  dis- 
solved; and  that  as  free  and  independent  States,  they  have  full  power 
to  levy  war,  conclude  peace,  contract  alliances,  establish  commerce, 
and  to  do  all  other  acts  and  things  which  independent  States  may  of 
right  do.  And  for  the  support  of  this  declaration,  with  a  firm  reliance 
on  the  protection  of  Divine  Providence,  we  mutually  pledge  to  each 
other  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and  our  sacred  honor." 

The  "Articles  of  Confederation  and  Perpetual  Union  between  the 
States  of  New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode  Island  and 
Providence  Plantations,  Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Penn- 
sylvania, Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South  Caro- 
lina, and  Georgia"  were  agreed  upon  b}^  duly  elected  delegates  of  the 
said  States  on  November  15,  1777.a 

This  compact  having  been  approved  and  ratified  in  due  form  by  the 
different  States,  a  solemn  proclamation  thereof  was  made  at  Phila- 
delphia on  the  9th  of  July,  1778. 

Article  1  of  the  instrument  reads  as  follows: 

"Article  1.  The  stile  of  this  Confederacy  shall  be  'The  United 
States  of  America.'  " 

By  the  provisional  articles  between  the  United  States  of  America  and 
His  Britannic  Majesty,  concluded  at  Paris,  on  November  30,  1782,  and 
the  Definitive  Treaty  of  Peace  between  the  United  States  of  America 

«  See  Appendix  1. 


10  THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA. 

and  His  Britannic  Majesty,  concluded  also  at  Paris,  on  September  3, 
1783,  the  recognition  of  the  new  political  entities  was  made  in  the 
following  language: 

"His  Britannic  Majesty  acknowledges  the  said  United  States,  viz, 
Ni'w  Hampshire,  Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode  Island  and  Providence 
Plantations,  Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Del- 
aware, Maryland,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  and 
Georgia,  to  be  free,  sovereign,  and  independent  States;  that  he  treats 
with  them  as  such,  and  for  himself,  his  heirs  and  successors,  relin- 
quishes all  claims  to  the  government  propriety  and  territorial  rights 
of  the  same  and  every  part  thereof." 

The  imperfections  of  the  Articles  of  Confederation  and  Perpetual 
Union  between  the  States  having  become  every  day  more  and  more 
apparent  and  serious,  the  necessity  was  felt  to  call  for  a  convention, 
where  the  said  imperfections  should  be  properly  cured  or"  corrected. 

This  convention,  which  met  at  Philadelphia  and  held  its  first  meeting 
on  May  25,  1787,  succeeded  in  framing,  after  considerable  debate  and 
through  a  series  of  compromises,  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  such  as  was  signed  on  September  17  of  the  same  year  and 
submitted  for  their  assent  and  ratification  to  the  different  States. 

This  ratification  was  made  by  conventions  held  to  that  effect,  in  the 
following  way: 

Delaware,  by  unanimous  vote,  on  December  7,  1787. 

Pennsylvania,  by  a  vote  of  46  to  23,  on  December  1 2,  1787. 

New  Jersey,  by  unanimous  vote,  on  December  18,  1787. 

Georgia,  by  unanimous  vote,  on  January  2,  1788. 

Connecticut,  by  a  vote  of  128  to  40,  on  January  9,  1788. 

Massachusetts,  by  a  vote  of  187  to  168,  on  Februaiy  6,  1788. 

Maryland,  by  a  vote  of  63  to  12,  on  April  28,  1788. 

South  Carolina,  by  a  vote  of  149  to  73,  on  May  23,  1788. 

New  Hampshire,  by  a  vote  of  57  to  46,  on  June  21,  1788. 

Virginia,  bv  a  vote  of  89  to  79,  on  June  26,  1788. 

New  York/by  a  vote  of  30  to  28,  on  July  26,  1788. 

The  two  remaining  States,  namely,  North  Carolina  and  Rhode  Island, 
did  not  ratify  the  Constitution  until  November  21,  1789,  and  May  29, 
1789,  respectively,  the  former  by  a  vote  of  193  to  75,  and  the  latter 
by  a  vote  of  34  to  32. 

A  resolution  passed  by  Congress  on  September  13,  1788,  declared 
the  Constitution  ratified;  and  the  Government  under  its  new  form  was 
started  at  once. 

George  Washington  was  elected  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  his  coun- 
trymen President  of  the  United  States.  The  House  of  Representa- 
tives organized  on  the  1st  of  April,  1789,  the  Senate  secured  a  quorum 
on  the  6th  following,  and  President  Washington  was  inaugurated  on 
the  30th. 

The  city  of  New  York  was  then  the  seat  of  the  Government. 

On  the  25th  of  September,  1789,  the  First  Congress  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  in  use  of  the  power  vested  in  it  by  Article  V  of 
the  Constitution,  passed  a  resolution  directing  twelve  "articles  to  be 
proposed  to  the  legislatures  of  the  several  States  as  amendments  to 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  all  or  any  of  which  articles, 
when  ratified  by  three-fourths  of  the  said  legislatures,  to  be  valid  to 
all  intents  and  purposes  as  part  of  the  said  Constitution." 


HISTORICAL    NOTES.  11 

The  first  two  were  rejected,  the  last  ten  were  adopted,  and  on  the 
loth  of  December,  1791,  they  were  proclaimed  to  be  in  force.0 

The  eleventh  amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States 
was  proposed  to  the  legislatures  of  the  several  States  by  the  Third 
Congress,  on  the  5th  of  September,  1794,  and  was  declared  in  a  message 
from  the  President  to  Congress  dated  the  8th  of  Januaiy,  1798,  to 
have  been  ratified  by  the  legislatures  of  three-fourths  of  the  States. 

The  twelfth  amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  was 
proposed  to  the  legislatures  of  the  several  States  by  the  Eighth  Con- 
gress, on  the  12th  of  December,  1803,  in  lieu  of  the  original  third 
paragraph  of  the  first  section  of  the  second  article,  and  was  declared 
in  a  proclamation  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  dated  the  25th  of  Septem- 
ber, 1804,  to  have  been  ratified  by  the  legislatures  of  three-fourths  of 
the  States. 

A  new  amendment  (Article  XIII),  forbidding  slavery,  was  proposed 
by  Congress  on  February  1,  1865,  and  declared  to  be  in  force  on 
December  18  of  the  same  year. 

It  was  ratified  by  31  States  out  of  36.  Alabama  and  Mississippi  rati- 
fied it  conditionally.  Delaware  and  Kentuck}^  rejected  it.  Texas  did 
not  take  any  action  on  it. 

The  fourteenth  amendment  (Article  XIV)  was  proposed  by  Con- 
gress on  June  16,  1866,  and  declared  to  be  in  force  on  July  28,  1868. 

It  was  ratified  by  33  States  out  of  37,  but  the  States  of  New  Jersey 
and  Ohio  rescinded  their  ratification. 

Delaware,  Kentucky,  and  Maryland  rejected  it. 

California  took  no  final  action  on  it. 

The  fifteenth  amendment  (Article  XV)  was  proposed  by  Congress 
on  February  27,  1869,  and  declared  to  be  in  force  on  March  30,  1870. 

It  was  ratified  by  30  States  out  of  37;  but  the  State  of  New  York 
rescinded  its  ratification.  California,  Delaware,  Kentucky,  Maryland, 
New  Jersey,  and  Oregon  rejected  it. 

No  final  action  was  taken  by  Tennessee. 

The  States  forming  the  Union  are  now  45.  Their  names,  alpha- 
betically arranged,  are  as  follows:  Alabama,  Arkansas,  California, 
Colorado,  Connecticut,  Delaware,  Florida,  Georgia,  Idaho,  Illinois, 
Indiana,  Iowa,  Kansas,  Kentucky,  Louisiana,  Maine,  Maryland,  Mas- 
sachusetts, Michigan,  Minnesota,  Mississippi,  Missouri,  Montana, 
Nebraska,  Nevada,  New  Hampshire,  New  Jersey,  New  York,  North 
Carolina,  North  Dakota,  Ohio,  Oregon,  Pennsylvania,  Rhode  Island, 
South  Carolina,  South  Dakota,  Tennessee,  Texas,  Utah,  Vermont, 
Virginia,  Washington,  West  Virginia,  Wisconsin,  Wyoming. 

In  addition  to  these  States  there  are  now  6  Territories,  as  fol- 
lows: Alaska,  Arizona,  Hawaii,  Indian  Territory,  New  Mexico,  and 
Oklahoma. 

"The  two  rejected  articles  were  as  follows: 

I.  After  the  first  enumeration  required  by  the  First  Article  of  the  Constitution, 
there  shall  be  1  Representative  for  every  30,000  persons  until  the  number  shall 
amount  to  100,  after  which  the  proportion  shall  be  so  regulated  by  Congress  that 
there  shall  not  be  less  than  100  Representatives,  nor  less  than  1  Representative  for 
every  40,000  persons,  until  the  number  of  Representatives  shall  amount  to  200,  after 
which  the  proportion  shall  be  so  regulated  by  Congress  that  there  shall  not  be  less 
than  200  Representatives,  nor  more  than  1  Representative  for  every  50,000  persons. 

II.  No  law  varying  the  compensation  for  the  services  of  the  Senators  and  Repre- 
sentatives shall  take  effect  until  an  election  of  Representatives  shall  have  intervened. 


12  THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA. 

There  is  also  the  District  of  Columbia,  organized  under  section  VIII 
of  the  Constitution,  the  capital  of  which  (Washington)  is  the  seat  of 
the  Government. 

The  Union  now  possesses  Porto  Rico,  Guam,  the  Philippine  Islands, 
and  the  Tutuila  Group  of  the  Samoan  Islands. 

L.IST  OF  IMPORTANT  BOOKS  TO  BE  CONSULTED  IN  REFERENCE  TO  THE  CON- 
STITUTION OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Journal,  acts,  and  proceedings  of  the  convention  assembled  at  Philadelphia,  Monday, 
May  14,  and  dissolved  Monday,  September  17,  1787,  which  formed  the  Consti- 
tution of  the  United  States.  Published  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  conformably  to  a  resolution  of  Congress  of  March  27,  1818. 
Boston,  1819. 

Elliot,  Jonathan.  Debates  in  the  several  State  Conventions  on  the  adoption  of  the 
Federal  Constitution. 

Tucker,  John  Randolph.  The  History  of  the  Federal  Convention  of  1787  and  of 
its  work. 

Marshall,  John.  The  writings  of  John  Marshall,  late  Chief  Justice  of  the  United 
States,  upon  the  Federal  Constitution. 

Story,  Joseph.     Commentaries  on  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States. 

Cooley,  Thomas  M.  The  general  principles  of  constitutional  law  in  the  United 
States. 

.     Constitutional  limitations. 

Kent,  James.     Commentaries  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

.     Comentarios  a  la  Constitucion  de  los  Estados  Unidos   de  America,  por 

James  Kent.  Obra  traducida  del  texto  original,  adicionada  y  anotada  por 
J.  Carlos  Mexfa,  abogado  de  los  tribunales  mexicanos,  1878. 

MexIa,  Jose  Carlos.     Manual  de  la  Constitucion  de  los  Estados  Unidos. 

Varela,  Luis  V.  Derecho  constitucional  positivo.  Constituciones  vigentes  en 
Inglaterra,  Estados  Unidos  y  sus  Estados,  Suiza  y  sus  cantones. 


CONSTITUTION. 


We  the  people  of  the  United 
States,  in  order  to  form  a  more 
perfect  Union,  establish  justice, 
insure  domestic  tranquility,  pro- 
vide for  the  common  defense,  pro- 
mote the  general  welfare,  and 
secure  the  blessings  of  liberty  to 
ourselves  and  our  posterity,  do 
ordain  and  establish  this  Consti- 
tution for  the  United  States  of 
America. 


Article  I. 

Section  1.  All  legislative  pow- 
ers herein  granted  shall  be  vested 
in  a  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
which  shall  consist  of  a  Senate 
and  House  of  Representatives. 

Sec.  2.  1.  The  House  of  Repre 
sentatives  shall  be  composed  of 
Members  chosen  every  second 
year  by  the  people  of  the  several 
States,  and  the  electors  in  each 
State  shall  have  the  qualifications 
requisite  for  electors  of  the  most 
numerous  branch  of  the  State 
legislature. 

2.  No  person  shall  be  a  Represent- 
ative who  shall  not  have  attained 
to  the  age  of  twenty-five  years, 
and  been  seven  years  a  citizen  of 
the  United  States,  and  who  shall 
not,  when  elected,  be  an  inhabi- 
tant of  that  State  in  which  he  shall 
be  chosen. 

3.  Representatives  and  direct 
taxes  shall  be  apportioned  among 
the  several  States  which  may  be  in- 


Nos  el  pueblo  de  los  Estados 
Unidos,  a  fin  de  hacer  mas  per- 
fecta  la  Union,  establecer  la  justi- 
cia,  consolidar  la  tranquilidad  do- 
mestica,  proveer  a  la  defensa 
comun,  promo ver  el  bien  general 
y  asegurar  los  beneficios  de  la 
libertad,  tanto  para  nosotros  mis- 
mos  como  para  nuestros  descen- 
dientes,  formamos  y  sancionamos 
esta  Constitucion  para  los  Estados 
Unidos  de  America. 

ARTfCULO  I. 

Secci6n  I.  Todas  las  facultades 
legislativas  que  esta  Constitucion 
concede,  se  depositan  en  un  Con- 
greso  de  los  Estados  Unidos,  que 
se  compondra  de  un  Senado  y  una 
Camara  de  Representantes. 

Sec.  II.  1.  La  Camara  de  Repre- 
sentantes se  compondra  de  miem- 
bros  elegidos  cada  dos  anos  por  el 
pueblo  de  los  Estados,  y  los  elec- 
tores  en  cada  uno  de  ellos  deberan 
tener  las  mismas  calidades  que  se 
requieren  de  los  llamados  a  cons- 
tituir  por  sus  sufragios  la  Ca- 
mara mas  numerosa  de  la  Legisla- 
tura  del  Estado. 

2.  Nadie  podra  ser  Represen- 
tante  antes  de  tener  cumplidos 
veinticinco  anos  de  edad,  y  siete 
de  ciudadano  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos, debiendo  ademas  ser  habitante 
del  Estado  que  lo  elige,  al  tiempo 
de  la  eleccion. 

3.  Los  Representantes  y  las  con- 
tribuciones  directas  se  repartiran 
entre  todos  los  Estados  que  com- 

13 


14 


THE    UNITED   STATES    OF    AMERICA. 


eluded  within  this  Union,  accord- 
ing to  their  respective  numbers, 
which  shall  be  determined  by 
adding  to  the  whole  number  of 
free  persons,  including  those 
bound  to  service  for  a  term  of 
years,  and  excluding  Indians  not 
taxed,  three-fifths  of  all  other 
persons.  The  actual  enumeration 
shall  be  made  within  three  years 
after  the  first  meeting  of  the 
Congress  of  the  United  States, 
and  within  every  subsequent  term 
of  ten  years,  in  such  manner  as 
they  shall  by  law  direct.  The 
number  of  Representatives  shall 
not  exceed  one  for  every  thirty 
thousand,  but  each  State  shall 
have  at  least  one  Representative; 
and  until  such  enumeration  shall 
be  made,  the  State  of  New  Hamp- 
shire shall  be  entitled  to  chase 
three,  Massachusetts  eight,  Rhode 
Island  and  Providence  plantations 
one,  Connecticut  five,  New  York 
six,  New  Jersey  four,  Pennsyl- 
vania eight,  Delaware  one,  Marj^- 
land  six,  Virginia  ten,  North  Car- 
olina five,  South  Carolina  five, 
and  Georgia  three. 


4.  When  vacancies  happen  in  the 
representation  from  any  State,  the 
Executive  authority  thereof  shall 
issue  writs  of  election  to  fill  such 
vacancies. 

5.  The  House  of  Representatives 
shall  chuse  their  Speaker  and 
other  officers,  and  shall  have  the 
sole  power  of  impeachment. 

Sec.  3.  1.  The  Senate  of  the 
United  States  shall  be  composed 
of  two  Senators  from  each  State, 
chosen  by  the  legislature  thereof, 
for  six  years,  and  each  Senator 
shall  have  one  vote. 

2.  Immediately  after  they  shall 
be  assembled  in  consequence  of  the 
first  election,  they  shall  be  divided 
as  equally  as  may  be  into  three 


pongan  la  Union  en  proporcion  al 
numero  respectivo  de  sus  habitan- 
tes,  el  cual  se  determinant  agre- 
gando  al  numero  total  de  personas 
libres,  entre  las  que  se  comprende 
a  las  que  estan  obligadas  al  servi- 
cio  por  cierto  numero  de  anos,  y 
se  excluye  a  los  indios  que  no  pa- 
gan contribuciones,  las  tres  quin- 
tas  partes  de  todas  las  demas.  El 
censo  efectivo  se  levantara  a  los 
tres  anos  contados  desde  la  pri- 
mera  sesion  del  Congreso  de  los 
Estados  Unidos,  y  en  lo  sucesivo 
de  diez  en  diez  anos,  en  la  forma 
que  el  mismo  Congreso  dispusiere 
por  medio  de  leyes.  El  numero 
de  Representantes  no  podra  ex- 
eeder  de  uno  por  cada  treinta  mil 
habitantes,  pero  cada  Estado  ten- 
dra cuando  menos  un  Represen- 
tante.  Mientras  no  se  levante  el 
censo,  el  Estado  de  New  Hamp- 
shire tendra  derecho  a  elegir  tres, 
Massachusetts  ocho,  Rhode  Island 
y  Providence  Plantations  uno, 
Connecticut  cinco,  New  York  seis, 
New  Jersey  cuatro,  Pennsylvania 
ocho,  Delaware  uno,  Maryland 
seis,  Virginia  diez,  North  Carolina 
cinco,  South  Carolina  cinco,  y 
Georgia  tres. 

4.  Cuando  ocurrieren  vacantes 
en  la  representacion  de  algim  Es- 
tado, el  Ejecutivo  del  mismo  expe- 
dira  las  ordenes  necesarias  para 
que  se  haga  la  eleccion  de  las  per- 
sonas que  deban  llenarlas. 

5.  La  Camarade  Representantes 
elegira  su  Presidente  y  demas  em- 
pleados.  A  ella  toca  exclusiva- 
mente  la  facultad  de  iniciar  causas 
por  delitos  oficiales. 

Sec.  III.  1.  El  Senado  de  los  Es- 
tados Unidos  se  compondra  de  dos 
Senadores  por  cada  Estado,  elegi- 
dos  por  sus  respectivas  Legislatu- 
ras,  por  seis  anos,  y  cada  Senador 
tendra  un  voto. 

2.  Inmediatamente  despues  de 
que  se  reunan,  en  virtud  de  la  pri- 
mera  eleccion,  se  dividiran  sus 
miembros  en  tres  clases,  con  toda 


CONSTITUTION. 


15 


classes.  The  seats  of  the  Senators 
of  the  first  class  shall  be  vacated 
at  the  expiration  of  the  second 
year,  of  the  second  class  at  the 
expiration  of  the  fourth  year,  and 
of  the  third  class  at  the  expiration 
of  the  sixth  year,  so  that  one-third 
may  be  chosen  every  second  year; 
and  if  vacancies  happen  by  resig- 
nation, or  otherwise,  during  the 
recess  of  the  legislature  of  any 
State,  the  Executive  thereof  may 
make  temporary  appointments 
until  the  next  meeting  of  the  leg- 
islature, which  shall  then  till  such 
vacancies. 

3.  No  person  shall  be  a  Senator 
who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the 
age  of  thirty  years  and  been  nine 
years  a  citizen  of  the  United 
States,  and  who  shall  not,  when 
elected,  be  an  inhabitant  of  that 
State  for  which  he  shall  be  chosen. 

4.  The  Vice-President  of  the 
United  States  shall  be  President  of 
the  Senate,  but  shall  have  no  vote, 
unless  they  be  equally  divided. 

5.  The  Senate  shall  chuse  their 
other  officers,  and  also  a  President 
pro  tempore,  in  the  absence  of  the 
Vice-President,  or  when  he  shall 
exercise  the  office  of  President  of 
the  United  States. 

6.  The  Senate  shall  have  the  sole 
power  to  try  all  impeachments. 
When  sitting  for  that  purpose 
they  shall  be  on  oath  or  affirma- 
tion. When  the  President  of  the 
United  States  is  tried  the  Chief 
Justice  shall  preside;  and  no  per- 
son shall  be  convicted  without  the 
concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  the 
members  present. 


7.  Judgment  in  cases  of  impeach- 
ment shall  not  extend  further  than 
to  removal  from  office,  and  dis- 
qualification to  hold  and  enjoy  any 
office  of  honor,  trust,  or  profit, 
under  the  United  States;  but  the 
party  convicted  shall  nevertheless 


la  igualdad  posible.  Los  puestos 
de  los  Senadores  de  la  primera  clase 
vacaran  a  los  dos  anos,  los  de  la  se- 
gunda  a  los  cuatro,  y  los  de  la  ter- 
cera  a  los  seis,  de  manera  que  cada 
dos  anos  se  elija  una  tercera  parte. 
Si  por  renuncia  u  otras  causas  re- 
sultare  alguna  vacante  estando  en 
receso  la  Legislatura  del  Estado 
respectivo,  podra  el  Ejecutivo  del 
mismo  hacer  nombramientos  pro- 
visionales  hasta  que  se  vuelva  a 
reunir  la  Legislatura,  la  cual  pro- 
veera  entonces  dichas  vacantes. 


3.  Para  ser  Senador  se  requiere 
tenertreinta  anos  cumplidos,  haber 
sido  nueve  anos  ciudadano  de  los 
Estados  Unidos,  y  ser  habitante 
del  Estado  que  hace  la  election  al 
tiempo  de  verificarse  esta. 

4.  El  Vicepresidente  de  los  Es- 
tados Unidos  sera,  Presidente  del 
Senado;  pero  no  tendra  voto  sino 
en  los  casos  de  empate. 

5.  El  Senado  elegira  sus  em- 
pleados  y  tambien  un  Presidente 
pro  tempore  que  f  uncionara  en  au- 
sencia  del  Vicepresidente,  6  cuan- 
do  este  se  halle  desempenando  el 
cargo  de  Presidente  de  los  Estados 
Unidos. 

6.  Solo  al  Senado  incumbe  la 
facultad  de  juzgar  por  responsa- 
bilidades  oficiales;  y  cuando  se 
reuniere  con  este  objeto,  los  Sena- 
dores procederan  bajo  juramento  6 
promesa.  Si  se  tratare  de  j uzgar  al 
Presidente  de  los  Estados  Unidos, 
presidira  el  Senado  el  Presidente 
de  la  Suprema  Corte,  y  nadie  sera 
condenado  sino  por  el  voto  de  dos 
terceras  partes  de  los  miembros 
presentes. 

7.  En  las  causas  por  responsa- 
bilidad  oficial  la  sentencia  condena- 
toria  no  podra  exceder  de  la  desti- 
tution del  empleo  y  la  inhabilita- 
cion  para  obtener  y  desempenar 
cargo  alguno  honorifico,  6  lucra- 
tivo  de  la  federation;  pero  el  decla- 


16 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA. 


be  liable  and  subject  to  indict- 
ment, trial,  judgment,  and  punish- 
ment according  to  law. 

Sec.  4.  1.  The  times,  places,  and 
manner  of  holding  elections  for 
Senators  and  Representatives,  shall 
be  prescribed  in  each  State  by  the 
legislature  thereof;  but  the  Con- 
gress may  at  any  time  by  law  make 
or  alter  such  regulations,  except 
as  to  the  places  of  chusing  Sena- 
tors. 


2.  The  Congress  shall  assemble 
at  least  once  in  every  year,  and  such 
meetings  shall  be  on  the  first  Mon- 
day in  December,  unless  they  shall 
by  law  appoint  a  different  day. 

Sec.  5.  1.  Each  House  shall  be 
the  judge  of  the  elections,  returns, 
and  qualifications  of  its  own  mem- 
bers, and  a  majority  of  each  shall 
constitute  a  quorum  to  do  business; 
but  a  smaller  number  may  adjourn 
from  da}r  to  day,  and  may  be 
authorized  to  compel  the  attend- 
ance of  absent  members,  in  such 
manner,  and  under  such  penalties 
as  each  House  ma}T  provide. 

2.  Each  House  may  determine 
the  rules  of  its  proceedings,  punish 
its  members  for  disorderly  be- 
haviour, and,  with  the  concurrence 
of  two-thirds,  expel  a  member. 

3.  Each  House  shall  keep  a  jour- 
nal of  its  proceedings,  and  from 
time  to  time  publish  the  same,  ex- 
cepting such  parts  as  may  in  their 
judgment  require  secrecy;  and  the 
yeas  and  nays  of  the  members  of 
either  House  on  any  question  shall, 
at  the  desire  of  one-fifth  of  those 
present,  be  entered  on  the  Journal. 


4.  Neither  House,  during  the 
session  of  Congress,  shall,  without 
the  consent  of  the  other,  adjourn 
for  more  than  three  days,  nor  to 
any  other  place  than  that  in  which 
the  two  Houses  shall  be  sitting. 


rado  culpable  quedara,  no  obstante, 
sujeto  a  ser  acusado,  juzgado,  aen- 
tenciado  y  castigado  con  arreglo  a 
Derecho. 

Sec.  IV.  1.  La  Legislatura  de 
cada  Estado  prescribira  el  tiempo, 
lugar  y  manera  en  que  deban  ha- 
cerselaseleccionesdelosSenadores 
y  Representantes;  pero  en  cual- 
quier  tiempo  el  Congreso  por  me- 
dio de  una  ley  podra  alterar  en  todo 
6  en  parte  las  disposiciones  de  las 
Legislaturas  sobre  el  particular, 
excepto  las  que  se  refieran  al  lugar 
de  la  eleccion  de  los  Senadores. 

2.  El  Congreso  se  reunira  una 
vez  por  lo  menos  en  cada  ano,  y 
esa  reunion  se  verificara,  el  primer 
lunes  de  diciembre,  a  no  ser  que 
por  una  ley  se  senale  otro  dia. 

Sec.  V.  1.  Cada  Camara  sera  el 
juez  competente  acerca  de  las  elec- 
ciones  y  requisites  legales  de  sus 
respectivos  miembros;  y  la  mayo- 
ria  de  cada  una  de  ellas  constituira 
el  quorum  para  deliberar.  Pero 
un  numero  menor  puede  reunirse 
dia  por  dia,  y  compeler  a  los  miem- 
bros ausentes  a  que  asistan,  de  la 
manera  y  bajo  las  penas  que  cada 
Camara  senalare. 

2.  Cada  Camara  podra  f  ormar  su 
Reglamento  interior,  castigar  a  sus 
miembros  por  mala  conducta,  y 
aun  expulsarlos  con  la  aprobacion 
de  los  dos  tercios. 

3.  Cada  Camara  llevara  actas 
de  sus  sesiones,  que  publicaran 
de  tiempo  en  tiempo,  omitiendo 
aquellas  partes  que  a  su  juicio  exi- 
jah  reserva;  y  en  ellas  se  haran 
constar  los  votos  de  los  respectivos 
miembros,  ya  sea  por  la  afirmativa, 
ya  por  la  negativa,  en  cualquiera 
cuestion,  cuando  asi  lo  pidiere  la 
quinta  parte  de  los  miembros  pre- 
sentes. 

4.  Durante  el  periodo  de  las  se- 
siones del  Congreso,  ninguna  de 
las  Camaras  podra  suspenderlas 
por  mas  de  tres  dias  sin  el  con- 
sentimiento  de  la  otra,  ni  reunirse 
en  lugar  distinto  de  aquel  en  que 
las  dos  esten  instaladas. 


CONSTITUTION. 


17 


Sec.  6.  1.  The  Senators  and 
Representatives  shall  receive  a 
compensation  for  their  services, 
to  be  ascertained  by  law,  and  paid 
out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United 
States.  They  shall  in  all  cases, 
except  treason,  felony,  and  breach 
of  the  peace,  be  privileged  from 
arrest  during  their  attendance  at 
the  session  of  their  respective 
Houses,  and  in  going  to  and  return- 
ing from  the  same;  and  for  any 
speech  or  debate  in  either  House 
tney  shall  not  be  questioned  in  any 
other  place. 

2.  No  Senator  or  Representative 
shall,  during  the  time  for  which 
he  was  elected,  be  appointed  to  any 
civil  office  under  the  authority  of 
the  United  States,  which  shall 
have  been  created,  or  the  emolu- 
ments whereof  shall  have  been 
increased  during  such  time;  and 
no  person  holding  any  office  under 
the  United  States  shall  be  a  mem- 
ber of  either  House  during  his 
continuance  in  office. 

Sec.  7.  1.  All  bills  for  raising 
revenue  shall  originate  in  the 
House  of  Representatives;  but  the 
Senate  may  propose  or  concur  with 
amendments  as  on  other  bills. 

2.  Every  bill  which  shall  have 
passed  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives and  the  Senate  shall,  before 
it  become  a  law,  be  presented  to 
the  President  of  the  United  States; 
if  he  approve  he  shall  sign  it,  but 
if  not  he  shall  return  it,  with  his 
objections  to  that  House  in  which 
it  shall  have  originated,  who  shall 
enter  the  objections  at  large  on 
their  journal  and  proceed  to  recon- 
sider it.  If  after  such  reconsid- 
eration two-thirds  of  that  House 
shall  agree  to  pass  the  bill,  it  shall 
be  sent,  together  with  the  ob- 
jections, to  the  other  House,  by 
which  it  shall  likewise  be  recon- 
sidered, and  if  approved  by  two- 

360a— vol  1—06 2 


Sec.  VI.  1.  LosSenadores3^Re- 
presentantes  recibiran  por  sus  ser- 
vicios  una  remuneracion  que  se 
fijara  por  ley  y  se  pagara  por  el 
Tesoro  de  los  Estados  Unidos. 
Exceptuando  los  casos  de  traicion, 
delito  grave  6  perturbaci6n  del  or- 
den,  tendran  en  todos  los  demas  el 
privilegio  de  no  ser  arrestados 
durante  el  periodo  de  las  sesiones 
a  que  asistieren,  6  en  su  viaje  de 
ida  6  vuelta  con  motivo  de  ellas. 
Y  por  ningun  discurso,  6  expresion 
en  un  debate  en  cualquiera  de  las 
Camaras  podra  jamas  molestarseles 
en  ninguna  parte. 

2.  Ningun  Senador  6  Represen- 
tante  podra  durante  el  tiempo  de 
su  encargo,  ser  nombrado  para 
ningun  empleo  civil  de  la  federa- 
cion,  que  se  hay  a  creado,  6  cuyos 
emolumentos  se  hubieran  aumen- 
tado,  durante  el  mismo  periodo; 
y  nadie  que  tuviere  un  empleo 
de  lafederacion  podra  ser  miembro 
de  ninguna  de  las  Camaras,  mien- 
tras  lo  desempeiiare. 

Sec.  VII.  1.  Todo  proyecto  de 
ley  sobre  creacion  de  rentas  pro- 
cedera  de  la  Camara  de  Represen- 
tantes;  pero  el  Senado  puede  pro- 
poner  6  anadir  sus  enmiendas  como 
en  todos  los  demas  proyectos. 

2.  Todo  proyecto  que  hubiere 
sido  aprobado  por  la  Camara  de 
Representantes  y  el  Senado,  antes 
de  que  pase  a  ser  ley,  sera  enviado 
al  Presidente  de  los  Estados 
Unidos.  Siloaprueba,  lofirmara; 
pero  si  no,  lo  devolvera  con  sus 
observaciones,  a  la  Camara  en  que 
tuvo  origen,  la  cual  las  hara  inser- 
tar  en  sus  actas,  y  procedera  de 
nuevo  a  discutirlo.  Si  despue"s  de 
esta  nueva  discusion,  dos  tercios 
de  esa  Camara  convinieren  en 
aprobarlo,  se  remitira,  juntamente 
con  las  observaciones,  a  la  otra 
Camara,  la  que  a  su  vez  volvera  a 
discutirlo,  y  si  resultare  aprobado 
por  los  dos  tercios  de  ella,  pasara 


18 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA. 


thirds  of  that  House  it  shall  be- 
come a  law.  But  in  all  such  cases 
the  votes  of  both  Houses  shall  be 
determined  by  yeas  and  nays,  and 
the  names  of  the  persons  voting 
for  and  against  the  bill  shall  be 
entered  on  the  journal  of  each 
House  respectively.  If  any  bill 
shall  not  be  returned  by  the  Presi- 
dent within  ten  days  (Sundays  ex- 
cepted) after  it  shall  have  been 
E  resented  to  him,  the  same  shall 
e  a  law  in  like  manner  as  if  he  had 
signed  it,  unless  the  Congress  b}T 
their  adjournment  prevent  its  re- 
turn, in  which  case  it  shall  not  be 
a  law. 

3.  Every  order,  resolution,  or 
vote  to  which  the  concurrence  of 
the  Senate  and  House  of  Represent- 
atives may  be  necessary  (except  on 
a  question  of  adjournment)  shall 
be  presented  to  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  and  before  the 
same  shall  take  effect  shall  be  ap- 
"  proved  by  him  or,  being  disap- 
proved by  him,  shall  be  repassed 
by  two-thirds  of  the  Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives,  accord- 
ing to  the  rules  and  limitations 
prescribed  in  the  case  of  a  bill. 

Sec.  8.  1.  The  Congress  shall 
have  power  to  lay  and  collect  taxes, 
duties,  imposts  and  excises,  to  pay 
the  debts  and  provide  for  the  com- 
mon defence  and  general  welfare 
of  the  United  States;  but  all 
duties,  imposts  and  excises  shall 
be  uniform  throughout  the  United 
States; 

2.  To  borrow  money  on  the 
credit  of  the  United  States; 

3.  To  regulate  commerce  with 
foreign  nations,  and  among  the  sev- 
eral States,  and  with  the  Indian 
tribes; 

4.  To  establish  an  uniform  rule 
of  naturalization,  and  uniform  laws 
on  the  subject  of  bankruptcies 
throughout  the  United  States; 

5.  To  coin  money,  regulate  the 
value  thereof,  and  of  foreign  coin, 


a  ser  ley.  En  todos  los  casos  de 
esta  naturaleza  la  votacion  en 
ambas  Camaras  sera  nominal, 
haciendose  constar  en  las  actas  de 
cada  Camara  respectivamente  los 
nombres  de  las  personas  que  han 
votado  por  la  afirmativa  y  por  la 
negativa.  Si  el  Presidente  no  de- 
volviere  un  proyecto  de  ley  a  los 
diez  dias  (exceptuando  los  domin- 
gos)  despues  de  que  se  le  hubiere 
presentado,  tendra  fuerza  de  ley 
lo  mismo  que  si  lo  hubiere  firmado, 
a  menos  que  no  haya  podido  ser 
devuelto  al  Congreso  por  haberse 
suspendido  las  sesiones. 

3.  Todo  acuerdo,  resolucion,  6 
votacion  que  requiera  la  concu- 
rrencia  .del  Senado  y  Camara  de 
Representantes  (excepto  cuando 
sea  para  suspender  las  sesiones)  se 

Eresentara  al  Presidente  de  los 
Istados  Unidos,  y  no  tendra  ef  ecto 
hasta  que  el  lo  apruebe.  Si  lo 
desechare,  sera  necesaria  la  apro- 
bacion  de  los  dos  tercios  del  Se- 
nado y  de  la  Camara  de  Represen- 
tantes, segun  las  reglas  y  limites 
prescritos  para  los  proyectos  de 
ley. 

Sec.  VIII.  1.  El  Congreso  ten- 
dra facultad:  Para  establecer  y 
recaudar  contribuciones,  derechos, 
impuestos  y  sisas  a  fin  de  pagar 
las  deudas  }t  proveer  a  la  defensa 
comun  y  bien  general  de  los 
Estados  Unidos;  perotodas  las  con- 
tribuciones, derechos,  impuestos  y 
sisas  seran  uniformes  en  todos  los 
Estados  Unidos; 

2.  Contraer  emprestitos  sobre 
elcredito  de  los  Estados  Unidos; 

3.  Reglamentar  el  comercio  con 
las  naciones  extranjeras,  y  el  que  se 
hace  de  Estado  a  Estado  y  con  las 
tribus  de  los  indios; 

4.  Establecer  una  reglauniforme 
de  naturalizacion  y  decretar  leyes 
uniformes  en  materia  de  quiebras 
para  todos  los  Estados  Unidos; 

5.  Acunar  moneda,  determinar 
el  valor  de  esta  y  de  las  extran- 


CONSTITUTION. 


19 


and  fix  the  standard   of  weights 
and  measures; 

6.  To  provide  for  the  punishment 
of  counterfeiting  the  securities 
and  current  coin  of  the  United 
States ; 

7.  To  establish  post-offices  and 
post-roads; 

8.  To  promote  the  progress  of 
science  and  useful  arts,  by  secur- 
ing for  limited  times  to  authors 
and  inventors  the  exclusive  right 
to  their  respective  writings  and 
discoveries; 

9.  To  constitute  tribunals  infe- 
rior to  the  Supreme  Court; 

10.  To  define  and  punish  piracies 
and  felonies  committed  on  the  high 
seas,  and  offences  against  the  law 
of  nations; 

11.  To  declare  war,  grant  letters 
of  marque  and  reprisal,  and  make 
rules  concerning  captures  on  land 
and  water; 

12.  To  raise  and  support  armies, 
but  no  appropriation  of  money  to 
that  use  shall  be  for  a  longer  term 
than  two  jears; 

13.  To  provide  and  maintain  a 
navy; 

14.  To  make  rules  for  the  gov- 
ernment and  regulation  of  the  land 
and  naval  forces; 

15.  To  provide  for  calling  forth 
the  militia  to  execute  the  laws  of 
the  Union,  suppress  insurrections, 
and  repel  invasions; 


16.  To  provide  for  organizing, . 
arming,  and  disciplining  the  mili- 
tia, and  for  governing  such  part  of 
them  as  may  be  employed  in  the 
service  of  the  United  States,  re- 
serving to  the  States,  respectively, 

the  appointment  of  the  officers 
and  the  authority  of  training  the 
militia  according  to  the  discipline 
prescribed  by  Congress; 

17.  To  exercise  exclusive  legisla- 
tion in  all  cases  whatsoever,  over 
such  district  (not  exceeding  ten 
miles  square)  as  may,  by  cession  of 
particular  States,  and  the  accept- 


jeras  y  los  patrones  de  las  pesas 
y  medidas; 

6.  Senalar  las  penas  de  los  falsi- 
ficadores  del  papel  de  credito  y  de 
la  moneda  de  los  Estados  Unidos; 

7.  Establecer  Casas  de  correos, 
y  servicios  de  postas; 

8.  Promover  el  adelanto  de  las 
ciencias  y  de  las  artes  utiles,  ase- 
gurando  a  los  autores  e  inventores 
por  tiempo  limitado  la  propiedad 
exclusiva  de  sus  respectivos  escri- 
tos  e  inventos; 

9.  Crear  tribunales  inferiores  a 
la  Suprema  Corte; 

10.  Definir  y  castigar  la  pirate- 
ria  y  otros  delitos  graves  cometidos 
en  alta  mar,  asi  como  los  perpetra- 
dos  contra  el  Derecho  de  gentes; 

11.  Declarar  la  guerra,  expedir 
patentes  de  corso  j  represalias,  y 
establecer  reglas  para  las  presas 
hechas  en  mar  y  tierra; 

12.  Levantar  y  mantener  ejerci- 
tos;  pero  ningun  credito  que  se 
conceda  para  este  objeto  debera 
durar  mas  de  dos  aiios; 

13.  Formar  y  mantener  una 
armada; 

14.  Decretar  ordenanzas  para  el 
gobierno  y  disciplina  del  ejercito 
y  de  la  armada; 

15.  Dictar  disposiciones  para 
llamar  a  las  annas  a  la  milicia 
cuando  fuere  necesario,  ;i  fin  de 
hacer  observar  las  leyes  de  la 
Union,  sofocar  insurrecciones  y 
repeler  qualquiera  invasion; 

16.  Provcer  a  la  organizacion, 
armamento  y  disciplina  de  la  mili- 
cia, y  al  gobierno  de  la  parte  de  ella 
que  este  al  servicio  de  los  Estados 
Unidos,  quedando  reservados  a  los 
respectivos  Estados  el  nombra- 
miento  de  los  oficiales,  y  el  poder 
de  instruir  practicamente  a  la  mili- 
cia, de  conformidad  con  la  disci- 
plina prescrita  por  el  Congreso; 

17.  Legislar  exclusivamente  en 
todas  las  materias  concernientes 
al  Distrito  que  por  cesion  de 
uno  6  varios  Estados  y  aceptacion 
del  Congreso,  hay  a  sido  elegido 


20 


THK    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA 


ance  of  Congress,  become  the  seat 
of  the  Government  of  the  United 
States,  and  to  exercise  like  author- 
ity over  all  places  purchased  by  the 
consent  of  the  legislature  of  the 
State  in  which  the  same  shall  be, 
for  the  erection  of  forts,  maga- 
zines, arsenals,  dock-yards,  and 
other  needful  buildings;  and 


18.  To  make  all  laws  which  shall 
be  necessary  and  proper  for  carry- 
ing into  execution  the  foregoing 
powers,  and  all  other  powers  vested 
by  this  Constitution  in  the  Gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States,  or  in 
any  Department  or  officer  thereof. 

Sec.  9.  1.  The  migration  or  im- 
portation of  such  persons  as  any  of 
the  States  now  existing  shall  think 
proper  to  admit  shall  not  be  pro- 
hibited by  the  Congress  prior  to 
the  year  one  thousand  eignt  hun- 
dred and  eight,  but  a  tax  or  duty 
may  be  imposed  on  such  importa- 
tion, not  exceeding  ten  dollars  for 
each  person. 

2.  The  privilege  of  the  writ  of 
habeas  corpus  shall  not  be  sus- 
pended, unless  when  in  cases  of 
rebellion  or  invasion  the  public 
safety  may  require  it. 

3.  No  bill  of  attainder  or  ex  post 
facto  law  shall  be  passed. 


4.  No  capitation  or  other  direct 
tax  shall  be  laid,  unless  in  propor- 
tion to  the  census  or  enumeration 
herein  before  directed  to  be  taken. 


5.  No  tax  or  duty  shall  be  laid  on 
articles  exported  from  any  State. 

6.  No  preference  shall  be  given 
by  any  regulation  of  commerce  or 
revenue  to  the  ports  of  one  State 
over  those  of  another:  nor  shall 
vessels  bound  to  or  from  one  State 


para  residencia  del  Gobierno  fede- 
ral, distrito  cuya  area  no  podra 
exceder  de  diez  mi  lias  cuadradas. 
Ejercer  la  misma  facultad  sobre 
todos  los  demas  lugares  compra- 
dos,  con  el  consentimiento  de  las 
Legislaturas  de  los  Estados  a  que 
pertenecen,  para  la  construccion 
de  f  ortalezas,  almacenes,  arsenales, 
astilleros  y  otros  edificios  que  se 
necesitaren;  y 

18.  Dictar  todas  las  leyes  nece- 
sarias  y  convenientes  para  la  ejecu- 
cion  de  las  facultades  que  prece- 
den,  y  todas  las  demas  que  por 
esta  Constitucion  se  confieren  al 
Gobierno  de  los  Estados  Unidos,  6 
a  cualquiera  de  sus  Departamentos 
6  f  uncionarios. 

Sec.  IX.  1.  El  Congreso  no 
podra  prohibir,  sino  desde  el  ano  de 
mil  ochocientosocho  en  adelante,  la 
inmigracion  6  importacion  de  per- 
sonas  que  cualquiera  de  los  Esta- 
dos, hoy  existentes,  crea  conve- 
niente  admitir;  pero  puede  im- 
poner  una  contribution  6  derecho 
que  no  excedera  de  diez  pesos  por 
persona. 

2.  No  podra  suspenderse  el  re- 
curso  del  Habeas  Corpus,  si  no  es 
en  los  casos  en  que  por  rebelion 
6  invasion  sea  necesario  haceulo 
para  la  seguridad  publica. 

3.  No  se  dictara  ninguna  ley  por 
la  que  la  infamia  del  delito  tras- 
cienda  a  personas  distintas  del  de- 
lincuente,  ni  que  tenga  efecto  re- 
troactivo. 

4.  Ninguna  capitacion  6  contri- 
bution directa  podra  imponerse 
sino  en  proporcion  al  numero  de 
habitantes,  cuyo  censo  debera 
levantarse  como  ya  se  dispone  en 
esta  Constitucion. 

5.  No  se  impondran  contribu- 
ciones  6  derechos  sobre  los  articu- 
los  que  se  exporten  de  los  Estados. 

6.  Las  disposiciones  que  regla- 
mentan  el  comercio  y  las  rentas 
fiscales,  no  podran  establecer  nin- 
guna preferencia  en  favor  de  los 
puertos  de  un  Estado,  sobre  los  de 


CONSTITUTION. 


21 


be  obliged  to  enter,  clear,  or  pay 
duties  in  another. 


7.  No  money  shall  be  drawn  from 
the  Treasury,  but  in  consequence 
of  appropriations  made  by  law; 
and  a  regular  statement  and  ac- 
count of  the  receipts  and  expendi- 
teres  of  all  public  money  shall  be 
published  from  time  to  time. 

8.  No  title  of  nobility  shall  be 
granted  by  the  United  States:  and 
no  person  holding  any  office  of 
pro  tit  or  trust  under  them  shall, 
without  the  consent  of  the  Con- 
gress, accept  of  any  present,  emolu- 
ment, office,  or  title  of  any  kind 
whatever,  from  any  king,  prince, 
or  foreign  State. 

Sec.  10.  1.  No  State  shall  enter 
into  any  treaty,  alliance,  or  con- 
federation ;  grant  letters  of  marque 
and  reprisal;  coin  money;  emit 
bills  of  credit;  make  anything  but 
gold  and  silver  coin  a  tender  in 
payment  of  debts;  pass  any  bill 
of  attainder,  ex  post  facto  law,  or 
law  impairing  the  obligation  of 
contracts,  or  grant  any  title  of 
nobilitv. 


2.  No  State  shall,  without  the 
consent  of  the  Congress,  lay  any 
imposts  or  duties  on  imports  or 
exports,  except  what  may  be  ab- 
solutely necessary  for  executing 
its  inspection  laws;  and  the  net 
produce  of  all  duties  and  imposts, 
laid  by  any  State  on  imports  or 
exports,  shall  be  for  the  use  of  the 
Treasury  of  the  United  States;  and 
all  such  laws  shall  be  subject  to 
the  revision  and  controul  of  the 
Congress. 

3.  No  State  shall,  without  the 
consent  of  Congress,  lay  any  duty 
of  tonnage,  keep  troops  or  ships 


otro.  Tampoco  se  podra  obligar 
a  los  buques  que  salen  de  un  Es- 
tado,  6  van  destinados  a  el,  a  que 
abran  6  cierren  su  registro,  6  oa- 
guen  derechos  en  otro. 

7.  No  se  podra  sacar  de  la  Teso- 
reria  ninguna  cantidad  de  dinero  si 
no  es  en  virtud  de  alguna  asigna- 
cion  hecha  por  ley;  y  periodica  - 
mente  se  publicara  una  relacion  y 
cuenta  exacta  de  los  ingresos  y 
egresos  del  Tesoro  publico. 

8.  Los  Estados  Unidos  no  con- 
cederan  titulos  de  nobleza;  y  nin- 
guna persona  que  desempene  em- 
pleo  lucrativo  u  honorifico  de  la 
federacion,  podra,  sin  el  consenti- 
miento  del  Congreso,  aceptar  pre- 
sentes,  emolumentos,  empleos  6 
titulos,  cualquieraque  sea  su  clase, 
de  ningiin  Re}7,  Principe  6  Estado 
extranjero. 

Sec.X.  1.  Los  Estados  no  podran 
celebrar  tratados,  alianzas  6  coali- 
ciones;  expedir  patentes  de  corso 
y  represalias;  acunar  moneda,  ni 
emitir  billetes  de  credito;  sena- 
lar  como  de  forzosa  admision  en 
el  pago  de  las  deudas  otras  mone- 
das  que  las  de  oro  y  plata;  aprobar 
ningun  proyecto  de  ley  sobre 
infamia  trascendental,  6  dar  leyes 
retroactivas,  6  que  desvirtuen 
las  obligaciones  de  los  contratos; 
ni  conceder  tampoco  titulos  de 
nobleza. 

2.  Los  Estados  no  podran  sin  el 
consentimiento  del  Congreso  es- 
tablecer  impuestos  6  derechos 
sobre  las  importaciones  y  exporta- 
ciones,  salvo  cuando  sea  absoluta- 
mente  necesario  para  hacer  cumplir 
sus  le}7es  de  inspeccion;  y  el  pro- 
ducto  neto  de  todos  los  derechos  e 
impuestos  cobrados  por  un  Estado 
ba]o  este  concepto,  pertenecera  al 
Tesoro  de  los  Estados  Unidos,  que- 
dando  sujetas  todas  esas  leyes  a  la 
revision  y  aprobacion  del  Con- 
greso. 

3.  Tampoco  podran  imponer 
derechos  de  tonelaje,  mantener 
tropas    6    buques  de    guerra  en 


22 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA. 


of  war  in  time  of  peace,  enter  into 
any  agreement  or  compact  with 
another  State,  or  with  a  foreign 
power,  or  engage  in  war,  unless 
actually  invaded,  or  in  such  im- 
minent danger  as  will  not  admit  of 
delay. 

Article  II. 

Section  1.  1.  The  executive 
power  shall  be  vested  in  a  President 
of  the  United  States  of  America. 
He  shall  hold  his  office  during  the 
term  of  four  years,  and,  together 
with  the  Vice  President,  chosen 
for  the  same  term,  be  elected  as 
follows: 

2.  Each  State  shall  appoint,  in 
such  manner  as  the  legislature 
thereof  may  direct,  a  number  of 
electors,  equal  to  the  whole  number 
of  Senators  and  Representatives  to 
which  the  State  may  be  entitled  in 
the  Congress:  but  no  Senator  or 
Representative,  or  person  holding 
an  office  of  trust  or  protit  under  the 
United  States,  shall  be  appointed 
an  elector. 

[The  electors  shall  meet  in  their 
respective  States,  and  vote  by  bal- 
lot for  two  persons,  of  wrhom  one 
at  least  shall  not  be  an  inhabitant 
of  the  same  State  with  themselves. 
And  the}'  shall  make  a  list  of  all  the 
persons  voted  for  and  of  the  num- 
ber of  votes  for  each;  which  list 
they  shall  sign  and  certify,  and 
transmit  sealed  to  the  seat  of  the 
Government  of  the  United  States, 
directed  to  the  President  of  the 
Senate.  The  President  of  the  Sen- 
ate shall,  in  the  presence  of  the 
Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives, open  all  the  certificates,  and 
the  votes  shall  then  be  counted. 
The  person  having  the  greatest 
number  of  votes  shall  be  the  Presi- 
dent, if  such  number  be  a  majority 
of  the  whole  number  of  electors 
appointed;  and  if  there  be  more 
than  one  who  have  such  majorit}' 
and  have  an  pqual  number  of  votes, 
then  the  House  of  Representatives 


tiempo  de  paz,  entrar  en  ningun 
convenio  6  tratado  con  otro  Estado 
6  con  potencias  extranjeras,  ni 
entrar  en  guerra,  excepto  en  caso 
de  invasion  6  de  peligro  tan  inmi- 
nente  que  no  admita  demora. 

ARTfCULO  II. 

Secci6n  1.  1.  Se  deposita  el  po- 
der  ejecutivo  en  un  Presidente  de 
los  Estados  Unidos  de  America. 
Desempefiara  su  encargo  por  el 
termino  de  cuatro  anos,  y  su  elec- 
cion,  asi  como  la  del  Vicepresi- 
dente,  nombrado  por  el  mismo 
termino,  se  verificara  de  la  manera 
siguiente: 

2.  Cada  Estado  nombrara  del 
modo  que  su  Legislatura  deter- 
mine, un  numero  de  electores  igual 
al  del  total  de  Senadores  y  Repre- 
sentantes  que  el  mismo  Estado 
tenga  derecho  a  mandar  al  Con- 
greso,  no  pudiendo  ser  nombrado 
elector  ningun  Senador  6  Repre- 
sentante,  ni  persona  que  desem- 
pene  un  empleo  lucrativo  u  honori- 
fico  de  la  Federacion. 

[Los  electores  se  reuniran  en  sus 
respectivos  Estados,  y  por  escru- 
tinio  secreto,  elegiran  dos  per- 
sonas,  una  de  las  cuales,  por  lo 
menos,  debera  no  ser  vecino  del 
Estado.  Formaran  una  lista  de 
todas  las  personas  por  quienes  han 
votado,  con  expresion  del  numero 
de  votos  que  obtuvo  cada  una,  la 
firmaran  y  certificaran,  remitien- 
dola  sellada  a  la  residencia  del 
Gobierno  de  los  Estados  Unidos, 
dirigida  al  Presidente  del  Senado. 
Este,enpresenciadelSenado  y  de  la 
Camara  de  Representantes,  abrira 
todos  los  pliegoscertificados,  y  pro- 
cedera  a  contar  los  votos.  Sera 
Presidente  la  persona  que  reuna  el 
mayor  numero  de  votos,  siempre 
que  este  numero  constituya  la 
mayoria  de  electores  nombrados. 
Si  reunieren  dicha  mayoria  mas  de 
una  persona,  teniendo  igual  numero 
de  votos,  entonces  de  entre  ellas 
elegira  inmediatamente  la  Camara 


CONSTITUTION. 


23 


shall  immediately  chuse  by  ballot 
one  of  them  for  President;  and  if 
no  person  have  a  majority,  then 
from  the  five  highest  on  the  list 
the  said  House  shall  in  like  man- 
ner chuse  the  President.  But  in 
chusing  the  President,  the  votes 
shall  be  taken  by  States,  the  rep- 
resentation from  each  State  having 
one  vote;  a  quorum  for  this  pur- 
pose shall  consist  of  a  member  or 
members  from  two-thirds  of  the 
States  and  a  majority  of  all  the 
States  shall  be  necessaiy  to  a 
choice.  In  every  case,  after  the 
choice  of  the  President,  the  per- 
son having  the  greatest  number  of 
votes  of  the  electors  shall  be  the 
Vice-President.  But  if  there 
should  remain  two  or  more  who 
have  equal  votes,  the  Senate  shall 
chuse  from  them  by  ballot  the 
Vice-President.  ] a 

3.  The  Congress  may  determine 
the  time  of  chusing  the  electors, 
and  the  day  on  which  they  shall 
give  their  votes;  which  day  shall 
be  the  same  throughout  the  United 
States. 

4.  No  person  except  a  natural- 
born  citizen  or  a  citizen  of  the 
United  States  at  the  time  of  the 
adoption  of  this  Constitution  shall 
be  eligible  to  the  office  of  President; 
neither  shall  any  person  be  eligi- 
ble to  that  office  who  shall  not 
have  attained  to  the  age  of  thirty- 
tive  years  and  been  fourteen  years 
a  resident  withm  the  United 
States. 

5.  In  case  of  the  removal  of  the 
President  from  office,  or  of  his 
death,  resignation,  or  inability  to 
discharge  the  powers  and  duties 
of  the  said  office,  the  same  shall 
devolve  on  the  Vice  President, 
and  the  Congress  may  by  law  pro- 
vide for  the  case  of  removal,  death, 
resignation,  or  inabilitj7  both  of 
the  President  and  Vice  President, 
declaring  what  officer  shall  then 
act  as  President,  and  such  officer 


de  Representantes,  por  escrutinio 
secreto,  una  para  Presidente;  mas  si 
nadie  hubiere  reunido  dicha  mayo- 
ria,  elegira  la  Camara  de  entre  las 
cinco  personas  que  hubieren  sacado 
mas  votos.  Al  hacer  la  eleccion  de 
Presidente,  los  votos  se  contaran 
por  Estados,  teniendo  un  voto  la  re- 
presentacion  de  cada  Estado;  para 
este  objeto,  el  quorum  se  formara 
de  un  miembro,  6  de  los  miembros 
de  las  dos  terceras  partes  de  los 
Estados,  y  sera  necesaria  la  mayo- 
ria  de  estos  para  decidir  la  elec- 
cion. En  cualquier  caso,  una  vez 
hecha  la  eleccion  del  Presidente, 
sera  Vicepresidente  la  persona  que 
retina  el  mayor  numero  de  yotos 
de  los  electores.  Pero  si  resultare 
haber  dos  6  mas  que  tuvieren  igual 
numero  de  votos,  el  Senado  elegira 
de  entre  ellas  al  Vicepresidente 
por  escrutinio  secreto.]*  • 

3.  El  Congreso  determinant  el 
tiempo  en  que  han  de  ser  elegidos 
los  electores  y  el  dia  en  que  deba 
verificarse  la  eleccion,  debiendo 
ser  uno  mismo  en  todos  los  Esta- 
dos Unidos. 

4.  Solo  seran  elegibles  para  el 
cargo  de  Presidente  los  ciudadanos 
por  nacimiento,  6  los  que  fueren 
ciudadanos  de  los  Estados  Unidos 
al  tiempo  de  adoptarse  esta  Cons- 
titucion.  Nadie  sera  elegible  que 
no  hubiere  cumplido  treinta  y 
cinco  afios  de  edad,  y  no  hubiere 
residido  catorce  anos  en  los  Esta- 
dos Unidos. 

5.  En  caso  de  remocion,  muerte 
6  renuncia  del  Presidente,  6  de 
incapacidad  para  desempenar  las 
funciones  de  su  encargo,  le  suce- 
dera  el  Vicepresidente.  El  Con- 
greso queda  facultado  para  dis- 
poner  por  medio  de  una  ley,  en 
caso  de  remocion,  muerte,  renun- 
cia 6  incapacidad,  tan  to  del  Presi- 
dente como  del  Vicepresidente, 
que  funcionario  entrara  a  desem- 
penar   la  presidencia;   y   este   la 


a  The  clause  printed  in  brackets  has  been  superseded  by  the  twelfth  amendment. 
See  page  32. 


24 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA. 


shall  act  accordingly  until  the  dis- 
ability be  removed  or  a  President 
shall  be  elected. 

6.  The  President  shall,  at  stated 
times,  receive  for  his  services  a 
compensation,  which  shall  neither 
be  encreased  nor  diminished  dur- 
ing the  period  for  which  he  shall 
have  been  elected,  and  he  shall 
not  receive  within  that  period  any 
other  emolument  from  the  United 
States,  or  any  of  them. 

7.  Before  he  enter  on  the  execu- 
tion of  his  office,  he  shall  take  the 
following  oath  or  affirmation:  "I 
do  solemnly  swear  (or  affirm)  that  I 
will  faithfully  execute  the  office  of 
President  of  the  United  States, 
and  will,  to  the  best  of  my  ability, 
preserve,  protect,  and  defend  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States." 

Sec.  2.  1.  The  President  shall 
beCommanderinChief  of  the  Army 
and  Navy  of  the  United  States, 
and  of  the  Militia  of  the  several 
States,  when  called  into  the  actual 
service  of  the  United  States;  he 
may  require  the  opinion,  in  writ- 
ing, of  the  principal  officer  in  each 
of  the  Executive  Departments 
upon  anj^  subject  relating  to  the 
duties  of  their  respective  offices, 
and  he  shall  have  power  to  grant 
reprieves  and  pardons  for  offences 
against  the  United  States,  except 
in  cases  of  impeachment. 


2.  He  shall  have  power,  b}'  and 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 
Senate,  to  make  treaties,  provided 
two-thirds  of  the  Senators  present 
concur;  and  he  shall  nominate 
and,  by  and  with  the  advice  and 
consent  of  the  Senate,  shall  appoint 
ambassadors,  other  public  minis- 
ters and  consuls,  judges  of  the 
Supreme  Court,  and  all  other 
officers  of  the  United  States  whose 
appointments  are  not  herein  other- 
wise provided  for,  and  which  shall 
be  established  by  law;  but  the 
Congress  may  by  law  vest  the  ap- 


desempenara  hasta  que  cese  la 
incapacidad,  6  se  elija  un  nuevo 
Presidente. 

6.  En  compensacion  de  sus  ser- 
vicios,  el  Presidente  recibira  una 
retribucion  en  epoeas  determina- 
das,  la  cual  no  podra  ser  aumenta- 
da  ni  disminuida  durante  el  perio- 
do  por  el  que  hay  a  sido  elegido; 
y  no  recibira  durante  ese  periodo 
ningun  otro  emolumento  de  la  fe- 
deracion, ni  de  ningun  Estado  en 
particular. 

7.  Antes  de  tomar  posesion  de 
su  encargo,  prestara  el  siguiente 
juramento  6  promesa:  "Juro  (6 
prometo)  solemnemente  que  de- 
sempenare  con  fidelidad  el  cargo 
de  Presidente  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos,  y  que  observare,  protegere  y 
defendere  la  Constitution  de  los 
Estados  Unidos." 

Sec.  II.  1.  El  Presidente  sera 
Comandante  en  jefe  del  Ejercito  y 
de  la  Armada  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos, asi  como  de  la  milicia  de  los 
Estados  ciiando  esta  estuviere  en 
actual  servicio  de  la  federation : 
podra  exigir  la  opinion  por  escrito 
de  cada  uno  de  los  Jef  es  de  los  De- 
partamentos  del  Ejecutivo  sobre 
todos  los  asuntosque  se  relacionen 
con  las  atribuciones  de  sus  respec- 
tivos  empleos,  y  tendra  facultad 
para  mandar  suspender  la  ejecu- 
cion  de  las  sentencias,  y  conceder 
indultos  por  delitos  cometidos  con- 
tra la  federacion,  menos  en  las 
causas  por  responsabilidad  oticial. 

2.  El  Presidente,  con  consulta  y 
aprobaeion  del  Senado,  tendra  fa- 
cultad para  hacer  tratados.  siem- 
pre  que  en  ellos  convengan  las  dos 
terceras  partes  de  los  Senadores 
presentes;  y  nombrar  con  la  misma 
consulta  y  aprobaeion  a  los  Emba- 
jadores,  Ministros  publicos  y  Con- 
sules,  a,  los  Magistrados  de  la  Su- 
prema  Corte,  y  a  todos  los  demas 
empleados  de  la  Federacion  que  se 
crearen  en  virtud  de  las  leyes,  cu- 
yos  nombramientos  no  estuvieren 
determinados  de  otra  manera  en 
esta  Constitucion.     Pero  el  Con- 


\ 


CONSTITUTION. 


25 


pointment  of  such  inferior  officers 
as  they  think  proper  in  the  Presi- 
dent alone,  in  the  courts  of  law, 
or  in  the  heads  of  Departments. 


3.  The  President  shall  have 
power  to  till  up  all  vacancies  that 
may  happen  during  the  recess  of 
the  Senate  by  granting  commis- 
sions which  shall  expire  at  the  end 
of  their  next  session. 

Sec.  3.  He  shall  from  time  to 
time  give  to  the  Congress  infor- 
mation of  the  state  of  the  Union, 
and  recommend  to  their  consider- 
ation such  measures  as  he  shall 
judge  necessary  and  expedient; 
be  may,  on  extraordinary  occa- 
sions, convene  both  Houses,  or 
either  of  them,  and  in  case  of  dis- 
agreement between  them  with  re- 
spect to  the  time  of  adjournment, 
he  may  adjourn  them  to  such  time 
as  he  shall  think  proper;  he  shall 
receive  ambassadors  and  other 
public  ministers;  he  shall  take  care 
that  the  laws  be  faithfully  exe- 
cuted, and  shall  commission  all  the 
officers  of  the  United  States. 

Sec.  4.  The  President,  Vice- 
President,  and  all  civil  officers  of 
the  United  States  shall  be  removed 
from  office  on  impeachment  for, 
and  conviction  of,  treason,  bribery, 
or  other  high  crimes  and  misde- 
meanors. 

Article  III. 

Section  1.  The  judicial  power 
of  the  United  States  shall  be  vested 
in  one  Supreme  Court,  and  in  such 
inferior  courts  as  the  Congress  may 
from  time  to  time  ordain  and  es- 
tablish. The  judges  both  of  the 
supreme  and  inferior  courts  shall 
hold  their  offices  during  good  be- 
haviour, and  shall  at  stated  times 
receive  for  their  services  a  com- 
pensation which  shall  not  be  dimin- 
ished during  their  continuance  in 
office. 


greso  puede  por  medio  de  una  ley 
conf  erir  la  f  acultad  de  nombrar  los 
empleados  subalternos  que  estime 
convenientes  a  solo  el  Presidente, 
a  los  Tribunales  de  justicia  6  a  los 
Jefes  de  los  Departamentos. 

3.  El  Presidente  podra  proveer 
todas  las  vacantes  que  ocurran 
durante  los  recesos  del  Senado, 
haciendo  nombramientos  provi- 
sionales,  los  que  vacaran  al  tin  del 
inmediato  periodo  de  sesiones. 

Sec.  III.  De  tiempo  en  tiempo 
presentara  al  Congreso  un  informe 
del  estado  de  la  Union,  recomen- 
dandole  la  adopcion  de  aquellas 
medidas  que  creyere  necesarias  6 
convenientes.  En  circunstancias 
extraordinarias,  podra  convocar  a 
sesiones  a  lasdos  Camaras,  6  a  cual- 
quiera  de  ellas,  3^  en  caso  de  que 
estuvieren  en  desacuerdo  sobre  el 
dia  en  que  deban  cerrar  las  sesiones, 
el  podra  fijar  el  que  le  pareciere 
conveniente.  Recibira  a  los  Em- 
bajadores  y  demas  Ministros  pu- 
blicos,  cuidara  de  que  las  leyes 
tengan  su  debido  cumplimiento,  y 
expedira  los  nombramientos  de 
todos  los  empleados  de  la  Federa- 
cion. 

Sec.  IV.  El  Presidente,  Vice 
presidente  y  todos  los  demas  em- 
pleados civiles  de  la  Federacion 
seran  removidos  de  sus  empleos, 
siempre  que  fueren  acusados  y 
convictos  de  traicion,  cohecho, 
li  otros  delitos  y  faltas  graves. 

Articulo  III. 

Secci6n  I.  Se  deposita  el  poder 
judicial  de  los  Estados  Unidos  en 
una  Suprema  Corte,  y  en  los  tri- 
bunales inferiores  que  en  lo  suce- 
sivo  creare  y  estableciere  el  Con- 
greso. Los  Magistrados,  tanto  de 
la  Suprema  Corte  como  de  los 
tribunales  inferiores,  desempena- 
ran  sus  empleos  mientras  observen 
buena  conducta,  y  en  epocas  fijas 
recibiran  por  sus  servicios  una  re- 
muneracion  que  no  podra  ser  dis- 
minuida  mientras  desempenen  sus 
empleos. 


26 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA. 


Sec.  2.  1.  The  judicial  power 
shall  extend  to  all  cases  in  law  and 
equity  arising  under  this  Constitu- 
tion, the  laws  of  the  iJnited  States 
and  treaties  made,  or  which  shall 
be  made,  under  their  authority;  to 
all  cases  affecting  ambassadors, 
other  public  ministers  and  consuls; 
to  all  cases  of  admiralty  and  mari- 
time jurisdiction;  to  controversies 
to  which  the  United  States  shall  be 
a  party;  to  controversies  between 
two  or  more  States ;  between  a  State 
and  citizens  of  another  State;  be- 
tween citizens  of  different  States; 
between  citizens  of  the  same  State 
claiming  lands  under  grants  of  dif- 
ferent States,  and  between  a  State 
or  the  citizens  thereof  and  foreign 
States,  citizens,  or  subjects. 


2.  In  all  cases  affecting  ambassa- 
dors, other  public  ministers  and 
consuls,  and  those  in  which  a  State 
shall  be  part}7,  the  Supreme  Court 
shall  have  original  jurisdiction. 
In  all  the  other  cases  before  men- 
tioned the  Supreme  Court  shall 
have  appellate  jurisdiction,  both 
as  to  law  and  fact,  with  such  ex- 
ceptions and  under  such  regula- 
tions as  the  Congress  shall  make. 


3.  The  trial  of  all  crimes,  except 
in  cases  of  impeachment,  shall  be 
by  jury;  and  such  trial  shall  beheld 
in  the  State  where  the  said  crimes 
shall  have  been  committed;  but 
when  not  committed  within  any 
State,  the  trial  shall  be  at  such 
place  or  places  as  the  Congress 
may  by  law  have  directed. 


Sec.  3.  1.  Treason  against  the 
United  States  shall  consist  only  in 
levying  war  against  them,  or  in 
adhering  to  their  enemies,  giving 
them  aid  and  comfort.  No  person 
shall  be  convicted  of  treason  un- 
less on  the  testimony  of  two  wit- 


Sec.  II.  1.  El  poder  judicial  co- 
nocera  de  todos  los  casos  en  Dere- 
cho  y  Equidad  que  dimanen  de  la 
Constitucion  y  leyes  de  la  federa- 
cion,  asi  como  de  los  tratados  ya 
celebrados  6  que  puedan  celebrarse 
en  lo  sucesivo  bajo  su  autoridad; 
de  todos  los  casos  que  afecten  a 
los  Embajadores,  demas  Minist  roe 
publicos,  y  a  los  Consules:  de  todos 
los  casos  ae  la  jurisdiccion  de  almi- 
rantazgo  y  marina:  de  las  contro- 
versias  en  que  la  Federacion  f  uere 
parte;  de  las  que  se  siguieren  entre 
dos  6  mas  Estados;  entre  un  Esta- 
dos  y  los  ciudadanos  de  otro;  entre 
ciudadanos  de  diferentes  Estados; 
entre  ciudadanos  del  mismo  Estado 
que  reclamen  terrenos  bajo  con- 
cesiones  hechas  por  diversos  Esta- 
dos; y  entre  un  Estado  6  sus 
ciudadanos,  y  Estados,  ciudadanos, 
6  subditos  extranjeros. 

2.  La  Suprema  Corte  tendra 
jurisdiccion  privativa  en  todos  los 
casos  que  afecten  a  los  Embaja- 
dores y  Ministros  publicos,  lo 
mismo  que  a  los  Consules,  y  en 
aquellos  en  que  un  Estado  f  uere 
parte  interesada.  En  todos  los 
demas  ya  mencionados,  conocera 
en  apelacion  tanto  respecto  a  los 
hechos  como  al  Derecho,  con  las 
restricciones  y  segun  las  disposi- 
ciones  reglamentarias  que  el  Con- 
greso  estableciere. 

3.  Todos  los  juicios  criminales, 
con  excepcion  de  los  que  se  forma- 
ren  por  responsabilidad  oficial,  se 
veriticaran  ante  un  jurado,  y 
deberan  celebrarse  en  el  Estado 
donde  se  hubieren  perpetrado  los 
delitos.  Mas  en  caso  de  que  no  se 
hubieren  cometido  en  la  jurisdic- 
cion de  ningiin  Estado  se  seguiran 
en  el  lugar  6  lugares  que  designare 
el  Congreso  por  medio  de  una  ley. 

Sec.  III.  1.  La  traicion  contra 
los  Estados  Unidos  consistira  sola- 
mente,  en  tomar  las  armas  contra 
ellos,  6  en  unirse  a  sus  enemigos, 
dandoles  ayuda  y  socorro.  Nadie 
podra  ser  convicto  de  traicion  si 
no  es  en  virtud  del  testimonio  de 


CONSTITUTION. 


27 


nesses  to  the  same  overt  act,  or  on 
confession  in  open  court. 

2.  The  Congress  shall  have  power 
to  declare  the  punishment  of  trea- 
son, but  no  attainder  of  treason 
shall  work  corruption  of  blood  or 
forfeiture  except  during  the  life 
of  the  person  attainted. 


Article  IV. 

Section  1.  Full  faith  and  credit 
shall  be  given  in  each  State  to  the 
public  acts,  records,  and  judicial 
proceedings  of  every  other  State. 
And  the  Congress  may  by  general 
laws  prescribe  the  manner  in  which 
such  acts,  records,  and  proceedings 
shall  be  proved,  and  the  effect 
thereof. 

Sec.  2.  1.  The  citizens  of  each 
State  shall  be  entitled  to  all  privi- 
leges and  immunities  of  citizens  in 
the  several  States. 

2.  A  person  charged  in  any  State 
with  treason,  felony,  or  other 
crime,  who  shall  flee  from  justice, 
and  be  found  in  another  <State, 
shall  on  demand  of  the  executive 
authority  of  the  State  from  which 
he  fled,  be  delivered  up,  to  be  re- 
moved to  the  State  having  juris- 
tion  of  the  crime. 

3.  No  person  held  to  service  or 
labour  in  one  State,  under  the  laws 
thereof,  escaping  into  another, 
shall,  in  consequence  of  any  law  or 
regulation  therein,  be  discharged 
from  such  service  or  labour,  but 
shall  be  delivered  up  on  claim  of 
the  party  to  whom  such  service  or 
labour  may  be  due. 

Sec.  3.  1.  New  States  may  be 
admitted  by  the  Congress  into  this 
Union;  but  no  new  State  shall  be 
formed  or  erected  within  the  juris- 


dos  testigos  que  declare  n  sob  re 
el  mismo  hecho  especifico,  6  de  con- 
fesion  de  parte  ante  el  tribunal. 

2.  El  Congreso  tendra  facultad 
para  designar  el  castigo  del  delito 
de  traicion,  pero  la  sentencia  que 
se  impusiere  por  este  delito  no 
podra  infamar  a  los  descendientes 
de  la  persona  sentenciada  ni  pro- 
ducir  la  confiscacion  de  los  bienes 
que  pertenezcan  a  esta  ultima,  sino 
es  durante  su  vida. 

Articulo  IV. 

Secci6n  I.  Se  dara  entera  fe  y 
credito  en  los  Estados  a  los  actos 
publicos,  registros  y  actuaciones 
judiciales  de  los  demas,  quedando 
facultado  el  Congreso  para  dispo- 
ner  por  leyes  generates,  la  manera 
en  que  deban  probarse  y  los  efec- 
tos  que  deban  surtir. 


1.  Los  ciudadanos  de 
gozaran  en  todos  los 


Sec.  II. 
un  Estado   gozaran  en 
demas,  de  las  mismas  garantias  e 
inmunidades    de    que    gozan    los 
ciudadanos  de  estos. 

2.  Toda  persona  que  siendo 
acusada  en  un  Estado  de  traicion 
u  otro  cualquier  delito,  huyere  de 
la  justicia  y  fuere  encontrada  en 
otro  Estado,  sera  entregada  a  pe- 
dimento  de  la  autoridad  ejecutiva 
del  Estado  deque  se  f ugo,  a  efecto 
de  ser  conducida  al  Estado  que 
tuviere  jurisdiction  para  juzgar 
su  delito. 

3.  Las  personas  obligadas  a  ser- 
vir  6  trabajar  en  un  Estado  segun 
sus  leyes,  que  se  escaparen  al  ter- 
ritorio  de  otro,  no  podran  quedar 
libres  de  ese  servicio  6  trabajo  en 
virtud  de  ninguna  ley  6  regla- 
mento  de  este,  sino  que  seran  en- 
tregadas  a  la  parte  que  tenga 
derecho  a  ese  servicio  6  trabajo, 
cuando  esta  las  reclamare. 

Sec.  III.  1.  El  Congreso  poclra 
admitir  nuevos  Estados  en  esta 
Union;  pero  no  se  formara  6  esta- 
blecera  un  nuevo  Estado  dentro  de 


28 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA. 


diction  of  any  other  State;  nor  any 
State  be  formed  by  the  junction 
of  two  or  more  States,  or  parts  of 
States,  without  the  consent  of  the 
legislatures  of  the  States  concerned 
as  well  as  of  the. Congress. 

2.  The  Congress  shall  have  power 
to  dispose  of  and  make  all  needful 
rules  and  regulations  respecting 
the  territory  or  other  property 
belonging  to  the  United  States; 
and  nothing  in  this  Constitution 
shall  be  be  so  construed  as  to  prej- 
udice any  claims  of  the  United 
States,  or  of  any  particular  State. 


Sec.  4.  The  United  States  shall 
guarantee  to  every  State  in  this 
Union  a  republican  form  of  gov- 
ernment, and  shall  protect  each  of 
them  against  invasion;  and  on  ap- 
plication of  the  legislature,  or  of 
the  Executive  (when  the  legislature 
can  not  be  convened)  against  do- 
mestic violence. 


Article  V. 

The  Congress,  whenever  two- 
thirds  of  both  Houses  shall  deem 
it  necessary,  shall  propose  amend- 
ments to  this  Constitution,  or,  on 
the  application  of  the  legislatures 
of  two-thirds  of  the  several  States, 
shall  call  a  convention  for  propos- 
ing amendments,  which,  in  either 
case  shall  be  valid  to  all  intents 
and  purposes,  as  part  of  this  Consti- 
tution, when  ratified  by  the  legisla- 
turesof  three-fourths  of  tho  several 
States,  or  by  conventions  in  three- 
fourths  thereof,  as  the  one  or  the 
other  mode  of  ratification  may  be 
proposed  by  the  Congress;  pro- 
vided that  no  amendment  which 
may  be  made  prior  to  the  year  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  eight 
shall  in  any  manner  affect  the  first 
and  fourth  clauses  in  the  ninth  sec- 
tion of  the  first  article;  and  that 
no  State  without  its  consent  shall 


la  jurisdiccion  de  otro,  ni  se  for- 
mara  ninguno  por  la  union  de  dos 
6  mas,  6  de  partes  de  otros,  sin  el 
consentimiento,  tanto  de  las  Legis- 
laturas  de  los  Estados  interesados, 
como  del  Congreso. 

2.  El  Congreso  queda  facultado 
para  disponer  del  territorio  y  de- 
mas  propiedades  pertenecientes  a 
los  Estados  Unidos,  y  hacer  res- 
pecto  de  los  mismos  todos  los 
reglamentos  necesarios.  No  se 
interpretara  ninguna  de  las  dispo- 
siciones  que  contiene  esta  Consti- 
tution de  manera  que  pueda  perju- 
dicar  los  derechos  de  los  Estados 
Unidos,  6  de  algun  Estado  en  par- 
ticular. 

Sec.  IV.  Los  Estados  Unidos 
arantizaran  a  todos  los  Estados  de 
a  Union  un  gobierno  de  forma  re- 
publicana,  y  los  protegeran  contra 
cualquiera  invasion;  y  cuando  lo 
solicitaren  sus  Legislaturas  6  sus 
Ejecutivos,"en  caso  de  que  aquellas 
no  puedan  ser  convocadas,  los  pro- 
tegeran tambien  contra  disturbios 
internos. 

ARTfCULO   V. 


Siempre  que  las  dos  terceras 
partes  de  ambas  Camaras  lo  crean 
necesario,  el  Congreso  propondra 
enmiendas  a  esta  Constitucion;  6, 
a  pedimento  de  las  Legislaturas 
de  dos  terceras  partes  de  los  Es- 
tados, convocara  una  convention 
para  proponer  enmiendas, — y  «'s- 
tas,  en  cualquiera  de  los  dos  casos, 
seran  validas  para  todos  los  fines 
como  partes  de  esta  Constitucion, 
luego  que  fueren  ratificadas  por 
las  Legislaturas  de  las  tres  cuartas 
partes  de  los  Estados,  6  por  con- 
venciones  reunidas  en  las  tres  cuar- 
tas partes  de  estos,  segun  que  el 
Congreso  haya  dispuesto  uno  u 
otro  modo  de  ratificar,  no  debiendo 
ninguna  enmienda  que  pueda  ha- 
cerse  antes  del  ano  de  mil  ochocien- 
tos  ocho,  alterar  en  manera  alguna 
las  clausulas  primera  y  cuarta  de 
la  section  novena  del  articulo  pri- 


CONSTITUTION. 


29 


be  deprived  of  its  equal  suffrage 
in  the  Senate. 


Article  VI. 

1.  All  debts  contracted  and  en- 
gagements entered  into  before  the 
adoption  of  this  Constitution  shall 
be  as  valid  against  the  United 
States  under  this  Constitution  as 
under  the  Confederation. 

2.  This  Constitution,  and  the 
laws  of  the  United  States  which 
shall  be  made  in  pursuance  thereof, 
and  all  treaties  made  or  which  shall 
be  made  under  the  authority  of  the 
United  States,  shall  be  the  supreme 
law  of  the  land;  and  the  judges  in 
every  State  shall  be  bound  thereby, 
any  thing  in  the  constitution  or 
laws  of  any  State  to  the  contraiy 
notwithstanding. 

3.  The  Senators  and  Represent- 
atives before  mentioned,  and  the 
members  of  the  several  State  leg- 
islatures, and  all  executive  and 
judicial  officers,  both  of  the  United 
States  and  of  the  several  States, 
shall  be  bound  by  oath  or  affirma- 
tion to  support  this  Constitution; 
but  no  religious  test  shall  ever  be 
required  as  a  qualification  to  anjr 
office  or  public  trust  under  the 
United  States. 


Article  VII. 

The  ratification  of  the  conven- 
tions of  nine  States  shall  be  suffi- 
cient for  the  establishment  of  this 
Constitution  between  the  States  so 
ratifying  the  same. 

Done  in  Convention  by  the 
unanimous  consent  of  the  States 
present  the  seventeenth  day  of 
September,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  eighty-seven,  and  of  the  Inde- 
pendance  of  the  United  States  of 
America  the  twelfth. 


mero,  ni  privar  a  ningun  Estado, 
sin  su  consentimiento,  de  la  igual- 
dad  de  votos  en  el  Senado. 

Articulo  VI. 

1.  Todas  las  deudas  y  compro- 
mises contraidos  antes  de  haberse 
adoptado  esta  Constitucion  seran 
tan  validos  contra  los  Estados 
Unidos  bajo  ella,  como  lo  eran  bajo 
la  Confederacion. 

2.  Esta  Constitucion,  las  leyesde 
los  Estados  Unidos,  que  en  virtud 
de  ella  se  dictaren,  y  todos  los 
tratados  celebrados  6  que  se  cele- 
braren  bajo  la  autoridad  de  los 
Estados  Unidos,  seran  la  ley  su- 
prema  del  pais.  Los  jueces  de 
cada  Estado  estaran  sujetos  a  lo 
que  ella  disponga,  sin  que  obsten 
las  Constituciones  6  leyes  de  los 
Estados. 

3.  Los  Senadores  y  Represen- 
tantes  ya  mencionados,  los  miem- 
bros  de  las  Legislaturas  de  los 
Estados,  y  todos  los  funcionarios 
de  los  departamentos  ejecutivo  y 
judicial,  tanto  de  la  Federacion 
como  de  los  Estados  en  particular, 
se  obligaran  por  juramento  6  pro- 
mesa  a  sostener  esta  Constitucion; 
pero  jamas  se  exigira  profesion  de 
fe  religiosa  para  ningun  empleo 
6  cargo  publico  de  los  Estados 
Unidos. 

ARTfCULO  VII. 

Bastara  la  ratificacion  de  las  con- 
venciones  de  nueve  Estados  para 
el  establecimiento  de  esta  Consti- 
tucion entre  los  que  la  ratifiquen. 

Fecho  en  convencion  por  el 
unanime  consentimiento  de  los 
Estados  presentes  el  dia  diez  y 
siete  de  Setiembre  del  ano  de 
Nuestro  Senor,  mil  setecientos 
ochenta  y  siete,  duodecimo  de  la 
independencia  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos de  America. 


30 


AMENDMENTS  TO  CONSTITUTION. 


[Article  I.] 

Congress  shall  make  no  law  re- 
specting an  establishment  of  re- 
ligion, or  prohibiting  the  free 
exercise  thereof;  or  abridging  the 
freedom  of  speech,  or  of  the  press; 
or  the  right  of  the  people  peace- 
ably to  assemble,  and  to  petition 
the  Government  for  a  redress  of 
grievances. 

[Article  II.] 

A  well-regulated  militia,  being 
necessary  to  the  security  of  a  free 
State,  the  right  of  the  people  to 
keep  and  bear  arms,  shall  not  be 
infringed. 

[Article  III. J 

No  soldier  shall  in  time  of 
peace  be  quartered  in  any  house, 
without  the  consent  of  the  owner, 
nor  in  time  of  war,  but  in  a  man- 
ner to  be  prescribed  by  law. 


[Article  IV.] 

The  right  of  the  people  to  be 
secure  in  their  persons,  houses, 
papers,  and  effects  against  un- 
reasonable searches  and  seizures 
shall  not  be  violated,  and  no  war- 
rants shall  issue  but  upon  probable 
cause,  supported  by  oath  or  affirm- 
ation, and  particularly  describing 
the  place  to  be  searched  and  the 
persons  or  things  to  be  seized. 


[Article  V.] 

No  person  shall  be  held  to  an- 
swer for  a  capital  or  otherwise 
infamous  crime  unless  on  a  pre- 
sentment or  indictment  of  a  grand 
jury,  except  in  cases  arising  in  the 


[ARTfCULO  I.] 

El  Congreso  no  podra  dictar 
leyes  relativas  al  establecimiento 
de  una  religion,  6  que  prohiban  el 
libre  ejercicio  de  alguna  de  ellas, 
coarten  la  libertad  de  la  palabra,  6 
de  laprensa,  6  restrinjan  el  derecho 
del  pueblo  para  reunirse  pacifica- 
mente,  6  pedir  al  Gobierno  la 
reparacion  de   cualquier  agravio. 

[Articulo  11.] 

Siendo  indispensable  una  milicia 
bien  reglamentada  para  la  seguri- 
dad  de  un  Estado  libre,  no  podra 
coartarse  al  pueblo  el  derecho  de 
tener  y  portar  armas. 

[ARTfCLLO  III.] 

En  tiempo  de  paz,  los  soldados 
no  seran  alojados  en  las  casas  sin 
el  consentimiento  de  sus  duefios; 
y  en  tiempo  de  guerra,  solo  lo 
seran  en  la  manera  que  prescriba 
la  ley. 

[Articulo  IV.] 

No  se  violara  el  derecho  del 
pueblo  que  pone  a  cubierto  sus 
personas,  habitaciones,  papeles  y 
efectos,  contra  todo  registro  y 
aprehension  que  carezcan  de  fun- 
damento;  y  no  se  expedira  ninguna 
orden  sobre  esto  sin  causa  capaz 
de  probarse,  apoyada  en  un  jura- 
mento  6  afirmacion,  que  designe 
claramente  el  lugar  que  ha  de 
registrarse,  y  las  personas  6  cosas 
que  hayan  de  ser  aprehendidas. 

[ARTfCULO  V.] 

A  nadie  se  obligara  a  que  con- 
teste  cargos  por  delito  grave  6 
infamante  bajo  cualquier  concepto, 
si  no  os  mediante  acusacion  escrita 
presentada  por  un  gran   jurado, 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


31 


land  or  naval  forces,  or  in  the  mi- 
litia, when  in  actual  service  in 
time  of  war  or  public  danger;  nor 
shall  an}T  person  be  subject  for  the 
same  offence  to  be  twice  put  in 
jeopardy  of  life  or  limb;  nor  shall 
be  compelled  in  any  criminal  case 
to  be  a  witness  against  himself, 
nor  be  deprived  of  life,  liberty,  or 
property  without  due  process  of 
law;  nor  shall  private  property  be 
taken'  for  public  use  without  just 
compensation. 


[Article  VI.] 

In  all  criminal  prosecutions,  the 
accused  shall  enjoy  the  right  to  a 
speedy  and  public  trial,  by  an  im- 
partial j  ury  of  the  State  and  district 
wherein  the  crime  shall  have  been 
committed,  which  district  shall 
have  been  previously  ascertained 
by  law,  and  to  be  informed  of  the 
nature  and  cause  of  the  accusation; 
to  be  confronted  with  the  wit- 
nesses against  him;  to  have  com- 
pulsory process  for  obtaining  wit- 
nesses in  his  favor,  and  to  have  the 
assistance  of  counsel  for  his 
defense. 

[Article  VI L] 

In  suits  at  common  law,  where 
the  value  in  controversy  shall  ex- 
ceed twenty  dollars,  the  right  of 
trial  by  jury  shall  be  preserved, 
and  no  fact  tried  by  a  jury  shall 
be  otherwise  reexamined  in  any 
court  of  the  United  States,  than 
according  to  the  rules  of  the  com- 
mon law. 


[Article  VIII.] 

Excessive  bail  shall  not  be  re- 
quired, nor  excessive  fines  im- 
posed, nor  cruel  and  unusual  pun- 
ishments inflicted. 


excepto  en  casos  que  occurrieren 
en  el  Ejercito,  6  la  Armada,  6 
en  la  milicia,  estando  en  servicio 
activo  en  tiempo  de  guerra,  6 
de  peligro  publico.  No  se  pondra 
a  nadie  dos  veces  en  peligro  de 
perder  la  vida  6  algun  miembro 
por  un  mismo  delito;  no  podra 
obligarsele  a  declarar  contra  si 
mismo  en  una  causa  criminal;  no 
se  le  podra  quitar  la  vida,  la  li- 
bertad  6  los  bienes,  sin  el  debido 
procedimiento  legal,  ni  se  podra 
tomar  la  propiedad  particular  para 
objetos  de  utilidad  publica,  sin  la 
debida  compensation. 

[Articulo  VI.] 

En  todas  las  causas  criminales, 
el  acusado  tendra  derecho  a  ser 
juzgado  pronta  y  publicamente  por 
un  jurado  imparcial  del  Estado  y 
distrito  donde  se  hubiera  cometido 
el  delito,  cuyo  distrito  sera  el  pre- 
viamente  reconocido  por  la  ley; 
tambien  se  le  informara  de  la  na- 
turaleza  y  causa  de  la  acusacion, 
se  le  careara  con  los  testigos  que 
declaren  en  contra  suya;  podra 
obtener  providencias  compulsorias 
para  conseguir  testigos  en  su 
favor,  y  tener  un  abogado  que  lo 
defienda. 

[Articulo  VII.] 

En  los  pleitos  civiles,  se  respe- 
tara  el  derecho  de  ventilar  ante 
el  jurado  aquellos  negocios  en  que 
la  cantidad  disputada  exceda  de 
veinte  pesos;  y  los  hechos  fallados 
por  un  jurado  no  pod  ran  ser  exa- 
minados  de  nuevo  en  ningun  tri- 
bunal de  los  Estados  Unidos,  sino 
de  conformidad  con  los  principios 
del  Derecho  comun. 

[ARTfCULO  VIII.] 

No  se  exigiran  fianzas  carceleras 
desproporcionadas,  ni  se  impon- 
dran  multas  desmedidas,  ni  se  apli- 
caran  penas  crueles  y  desusadas. 


32 


THE    UNITED   STATES    OF    AMERICA. 


[Article  IX.] 

The  enumeration  in  the  Consti- 
tution of  certain  rights  shall  not 
be  construed  to  deny  or  disparage 
others  retained  b}7  the  people. 


[Article  X.] 

The  powers  not  delegated  to  the 
United  States  b}7  the  Constitution, 
nor  prohibited  by  it  to  the  States, 
are  reserved  to  the  States  respec- 
tively, or  to  the  people. 

[Article  XL] 

The  judicial  power  of  the  United 
States  shall  not  be  construed  to 
extend  to  any  suit  in  law  or  equity, 
commenced  or  prosecuted  against 
one  of  the  United  States  by  citi- 
zens of  another  State,  or  by  citi- 
zens or  subjects  of  any  foreign 
State. 


[Article  XII.] 

The  electors  shall  meet  in  their 
respective  States,  and  vote  by  bal- 
lot for  President  and  Vice-Presi- 
dent, one  of  whom  at  least  shall 
not  be  an  inhabitant  of  the  same 
State  with  themselves;  they  shall 
name  in  their  ballots  the  person 
voted  for  as  President,  and  in  dis- 
tinct ballots  the  person  voted  for 
as  Vice-President,  and  the}7  shall 
make  distinct  lists  of  all  persons 
voted  for  as  President,  ana  of  all 
persons  voted  for  as  Vice-Presi- 
dent, and  of  the  number  of  votes 
for  each,  which  lists  they  shall 
sign  and  certify  and  transmit  sealed 
to  the  seat  of  the  Government 
of  the  United  States,  directed  to 
the  President  of  the  Senate.  The 
President  of  the  Senate  shall,  in 
the  presence  of  the  Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives,  open 
all  the  certificates  and  the  votes 
shall  then  be  counted.  The  per- 
son having  the  greatest  number  of 


[ARTfCULO  IX.] 

La  enumeracion  de  ciertos  de- 
rechos  hecha  en  esta  Constitucion, 
no  debera  interpretarse  como  si 
importara  la  negacion  6  restric- 
cion  de  otros  que  conserva  el 
pueblo. 

[ARTfCULO  X.] 

Las  facultades  que  la  Constitu- 
cion no  delega  a  la  Federacion  y  no 
niega  a  los  Estados,  quedan  reser- 
vadas  a  los  Estados  respectiva- 
mente,  6  al  pueblo. 

[ArtIculo  XL] 

No  podra  entenderse  que  el  po- 
der  judicial  de  los  Estados  Unidos 
se  extiende  a  hacerle  conocer  de 
litigios  de  estricto  Derecho  6  de 
Equidad,  comenzados  6  prosegui- 
dos  contra  uno  de  los  Estados 
Unidos  por  ciudadanos  de  otro 
Estado,  o  por  ciudadanos  6  subdi- 
tos  de  un  Estado  extranjero. 

[ARTfCULO  XII.  ] 

Los  electores  se  reuniran  en  sus 
respectivos  Estados,  y  por  escruti- 
nio  secreto  elegiran  al  Presidente 
y  Vicepresidente,  unode  los  cuales 
por  lo  menos  debera  no  ser  habi- 
tante  del  Estado:  en  una  de  sus 
cedulas  de  votacion  expresaran  el 
nombre  de  la  persona  que  desig- 
nan  para  Presidente,  y  en  otra 
distinta,  el  de  la  que  quieran  elegir 
Vicepresidente.  Formaian  listas 
separadas  de  todas  las  personas  que 
hubieren  obtenido  votos  para 
Presidente  y  Vice-presidente,  con 
expresion  del  numero  de  votos  que 
obtuvo  cada  una;  firmaran  y  cer- 
tificaran  las  listas,  remitiendolas 
selladas  si  la  capital  de  los  Estados 
Unidos,  dirigidas  al  Presidente  del 
Senado.  Este  en  presencia  del 
Senado  }T  de  la  Camara  de  Repre- 
sentantes,  abrira  todos  los  certifi- 
cados,  y  en  seguida  se  contaran  los 
votos.  Sera  Presidente  el  que 
reuna  mayor  numero  de  votos  para 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


33 


votes  for  President  shall  be  the 
President,  if  such  number  be  a 
majority  of  the  whole  number  of 
electors  appointed;  and  if  no  per- 
son have  such  majority,  then  from 
the  persons  having  the  highest 
numbers,  not  exceeding  three  on 
the  list  of  those  voted  for  as  Presi- 
dent, the  House  of  Representa- 
tives shall  choose  immediately,  by 
ballot,  the  President.  But  in 
choosing  the  President  the  votes 
shall  be  taken  by  States,  the  rep- 
resentation from  each  State  hav- 
ing one.  vote;  a  quorum  for  this 
purpose  shall  consist  of  a  member 
or  members  from  two-thirds  of 
the  States,  and  a  majority  of  all 
the  States  shall  be  necessary  to 
a  choice.  And  if  the  House  of 
Representatives  shall  not  choose 
a  President  whenever  the  right  of 
choice  shall  devolve  upon  them, 
before  the  fourth  day  of  March 
next  following,  then  the  Vice- 
President  shall  act  as  President, 
as  in  the  case  of  the  death  or  other 
constitutional  disability  of  the 
President. 

The  person  having  the  greatest 
number  of  votes  as  Vice-President 
shall  be  the  Vice-President,  if  such 
number  be  a  majority  of  the  whole 
number  of  electors  appointed,  and 
if  no  person  have  a  majority,  then 
from  the  two  highest  numbers  on 
the  list  the  Senate  shall  choose  the 
Vice-President;  a  quorum  for  the 
purpose  shall  consist  of  two-thirds 
of  the  whole  number  of  Senators, 
and  a  majority  of  the  whole  num- 
ber shall  be  necessary  to  a  choice. 

But  no  person  constitutionally 
ineligible  to  the  office  of  President 
shall  be  eligible  to  that  of  Vice- 
President  of  the  United  States. 


Article  XIII. 

Section  1.  Neither  slavery  nor 
involuntary  servitude,  except  as  a 
punishment  for  crime  whereof  the 

360a— vol  1—06 3 


este  cargo,  siempre  que  dicho 
numero  sea  la  mayoria  del  total  de 
electores  nombrados;  y  si  nadie 
hubiere  reunido  esa  mayoria,  la 
Camara  de  Representantes  hara 
inmediatamente  por  escrutinio 
secreto  la  eleccion  de  Presidente 
de  entre  las  personas,no  excediendo 
de  tres,  que  hubieren  obtenido  mas 
votos.  En  la  eleccion  del  Presi- 
dente se  votara  por  Estados,  te- 
niendo  la  representacion  de  cada 
Estado  un  voto.  El  quorum,  para 
este  objeto  se  formara  de  un  miem- 
bro  6  grupo  de  miembros  de  las  dos 
terceras  partes  de  los  Estados,  y 
para  que  haya  eleccion  sera  nece- 
saria  una  mayoria  de  todos  los  Es- 
tados. Si  antes  del  cuatro  de  Marzo 
subsiguiente,  la  Camara  de  Repre- 
sentantes, cuando  le  tocare  el  de- 
recho  de  elegir,  no  hubiere  elegido 
Presidente,  entrara  entonces  el 
Vicepresidente  a  funcionar  como 
Presidente,  lo  mismo  que  en  caso 
de  muerte,  6  impedimento  consti- 
tucional  de  este. 


Sera  Vicepresidente  la  persona 
que  reuna  el  mayor  numero  de 
votos  para  este  cargo,  con  tal 
que  este  numero  sea  la  mayoria  del 
total  de  electores  nombrados;  y  si 
ninguna  obtuviere  esa  mayoria, 
entonces  el  Senado  elegira  al  Vice- 
presidente de  entre  los  dos  que 
reunan  mas  votos.  Para  este  ob- 
jeto el  quorum  se  formara  de  las 
dos  terceras  partes  del  numero 
total  de  Senadores,  y  para  la  elec- 
cion se  necesita  la  mayoria  de 
todos  ellos. 

La  persona  que  constitucional- 
mente  no  pueda  ser  elegida  para 
Presidente  de  los  Estados  Unidos, 
tampoco  podra  serlo  para  Vice- 
presidente. 

ARTfcULO  XIII. 

Secci6n  I.  Ni  la  esclavitud,  ni  el 
trabajo  forzado,  que  no  sea  impues- 
to  por  sentencia  de  los  tribunales 


34 


THE    UNITED   STATES    OF    AMERICA. 


party  shall  have  deen  duly  con- 
victed, shall  exist  within  the 
United  States,  or  any  place  sub- 
ject to  their  jurisdiction. 

Sec.  2.  Congress  shall  have 
power  to  enforce  this  article  by 
appropriate  legislation. 

Article  XIV. 

Section  1.  All  persons  born  or 
naturalized  in  the  United  States, 
and  subject  to  the  jurisdiction 
thereof,  are  citizens  of  the  United 
States  and  of  the  State  wherein 
they  reside.  No  State  shall  make 
or  enforce  any  law  which  shall 
abridge  the  privileges  or  immuni- 
ties of  citizens  of  theUnited States; 
nor  shall  any  State  deprive  any 
person  of  life,  liberty,  or  property, 
without  due  process  of  law;  nor 
deiry  to  any  person  within  its  juris- 
diction the  equal  protection  of  the 
laws. 

Sec.  2.  Representatives  shall  be 
apportioned  among  the  several 
States  according  to  their  respec- 
tive numbers,  counting  the  whole 
number  of  persons  in  each  State, 
excluding  Indians  not  taxed.  But 
when  the  right  to  vote  at  an}r  elec- 
tion for  the  choice  of  electors  for 
President  and  Vice-President  of 
the  United  States,  Representatives 
in  Congress,  the  executive  and 
judicial  officers  of  a  State,  or  the 
members  of  the  legislature  thereof, 
is  denied  to  any  of  the  male  in- 
habitants of  such  State,  being 
twenty-one  3rears  of  age,  and  citi- 
zens of  the  United  States,  or  in 
any  way  abridged,  except  for  par- 
ticipation in  rebellion,  or  other 
crime,  the  basis  of  representation 
therein  shall  be  reduced  in  the 
proportion  which  the  number  of 
such  male  citizens  shall  bear  to 
the  whole  number  of  male  citizens 
twenty-one  years  of  age  in  such 
State. 

Sec.  3.  No  person  shall  be  a 
Senator  or  Representative  in  Con- 


podran  existir  en  los  Estados  Un- 
idos,  ni  en  ningun  lugar  sujeto  a  su 
jurisdiccion. 

Sec.  II.  El  Congreso  queda  fa- 
cultado  para  hacer  cumplir  este 
articulo  por  medio  de  leyes  opor- 
tunas. 

ARTfcULO  XIV. 

Secci6n  I.  Todas  las  personas 
nacidas  6  naturalizadas  en  los  Es- 
tados Unidos,  sujetas  a  su  juris- 
diccion, son  ciudadanos  de  los 
Estados  Unidos  y  del  Estado  en 
que  residen.  Los  Estados  no 
pod  ran  dictar  ni  hacer  cumplir 
ninguna  ley  que  restrinja  las  pre- 
rogativas  6  inmunidades  de  los 
ciudadanos  de  los  Estados  Unidos; 
tampoco  podran  privar  a  ninguna 
persona  de  la  vida,  la  libcrtad  6 
los  bienes  de  fortuna,  sin  el  debido 
procedimiento  legal,  ni  negar  a 
nadie  en  su  jurisdiccion  la  igual 
proteccion  de  las  leyes. 

Sec.  II.  Los  representantes  se 
distribuiran  proporcionalmente 
entre  los  Estados  segiin  sus  respec- 
tivos  censos,  contandose  en  cada  Es- 
tado el  numero  total  de  personas, 
con  exclusion  de  los  indios  que  no 
pagan  contribuciones.  Pero  si  se 
negare  el  derecho  de  votar  en  las 
elecciones  de  Presidente,  Vice- 
presidente  6  Representantes  en  el 
Congreso  de  los  Estados  Unidos,  6 
en  las  de  los  f  uncionarios  del  ramo 
ejecutivo  6  judicial  de  un  Estado, 
6  miembros  de  su  Legislatura,  a 
cualquier  habitante  varon  de  dicho 
Estado,  siendo  de  veintiun  anos 
de  edad  y  ciudadano  de  los  Esta- 
dos Unidos,  6  se  restringiere  de 
cualquier  modo  ese  derecho,  A 
menos  que  sea  por  complicidad  en 
la  rebelion,  u  otro  delito,  se  redu- 
cira  entonces  la  base  de  la  repre- 
sentation del  Estado  en  la  propor- 
tion que  guarde  el  numero  deesos 
ciudadanos,  con  el  total  de  ciuda- 
danos varones  de  veintiun  anos  de 
edad  que  haya  en  el  mismo  Estado. 

Sec.  III.  Las  personas  que  ha- 
biendo  prestado  juramento  de  sos- 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


35 


gress,  or  elector  of  President  and 
Vice-President,  or  hold  any  office, 
civil  or  military,  under  the  United 
States,  or  under  any  State,  who, 
having  previoulsy  taken  an  oath, 
as  a  member  of  Congress,  or  as  an 
officer  of  the  United  States,  or  as  a 
member  of  any  State  legislature, 
or  as  an  executive  or  judicial  offi- 
cer of  any  State,  to  support  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States, 
shall  have  engaged  in  insurrection 
or  rebellion  against  the  same,  or 
given  aid  or  comfort  to  the  ene- 
mies thereof.  But  Congress  may, 
by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  each 
House,  remove  such  disability. 


Sec.  4.  The  validity  of  the  pub- 
lic debt  of  the  United  States, 
authorized  by  law,  including  debts 
incurred  for  payment  of  pensions 
and  bounties  for  services  in  sup- 
pressing insurrection  or  rebellion, 
shall  not  be  questioned.  But 
neither  the  United  States  nor  any 
State  shall  assume  or  pay  any  debt 
or  obligation  incurred  in  aid  of 
insurrection  or  rebellion  against 
the  United  States,  or  any  claim 
for  the  loss  or  emancipation  of 
any  slave;  but  all  such  debts, 
obligations,  and  claims  shall  be 
held  illegal  and  void. 


Sec.  5.  The  Congress  shall  have 
power  to  enforce,  by  appropriate 
legislation,  the  provisions  of  this 
article. 

Article  XV. 

Section  1.  The  right  of  citizens 
of  the  United  States  to  vote  shall 
not  be  denied  or  abridged  by  the 
United  States  or  by  any  State  on 
account  of  race,  color,  or  previous 
condition  of  servitude. 

Sec.  2.  The  Congress  shall  have 
power  to  enforce  this  article  by 
appropriate  legislation. 


tener  la  Constitucion  federal,  sea 
como  miembros  delCongreso,  como 
empleados  de  los  Estados  Unidos, 
como  miembros  de  alguna  Legisla- 
tura,  6  como  funcionarios  ejecuti- 
vos  6  judiciales  de  un  Estado,  hu- 
bieren  tornado  parte  despues  en 
alguna  insurreccion  6  rebelion  con- 
tra los  mismos  Estados  Unidos,  6 
hubieren  dado  ay  uda  y  socorro  a  sus 
enemigos,  no  podran  ser  Senadores 
6  Representantes  en  el  Congreso,  6 
Electores  del  Presidente  y  Vice- 
presidente,  ni  obtener  ningun  em- 
pleo  civil  6  militar  de  la  federacion, 
ni  de  ningun  Estado.  Pero  el  Con- 
greso por  el  voto  de  las  dos  terce- 
ras  partes  de  cada  Camara,  puede 
remover  esa  incapacidad. 

Sec.  IV.  No  podra  cuestionarse 
la  validez  de  la  deuda  publica  de 
los  Estados  Unidos  autorizada  por 
ley,  comprendiendose  en  el  la  las 
deudas  contraidas  para  pagar  pen- 
siones  y  premios  por  servicios 
prestados  para  sofocar  la  insurrec- 
cion 6  rebelion.  Pero  ni  los  Esta- 
dos Unidos,  ni  ningun  Estado  en 
particular,  reconoceran  6  pagaran 
ninguna  deuda  u  obligacion  con- 
traida  para  fomentar  la  insurrec- 
cion 6  rebelion  contra  los  Estados 
Unidos,  ni  ninguna  reclamation 
por  la  perdida  6  emancipacion  de 
los  esclavos,  debiendose  tener  to- 
das  las  deudas,  obligaciones  6  re- 
clamaciones  de  esa  procedencia 
como  ilegales  3^  nulas. 

Sec.  V.  El  Congreso  queda  fa- 
cultado  para  hacer  cumplir  las  dis- 
posiciones  de  este  articulo  por 
medio  de  leyes  oportunas. 

ARTfCULO  XV. 

Secci6n  I.  Ni  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos, ni  ningun  Estado  en  particu- 
lar podran  desconocer  6  cercenar 
el  derecho  de  votar  de  los  ciudada- 
nos  de  los  Estados  Unidos,  por  ra- 
zon  de  raza,  color  6  previa  condi- 
cion  de  esclavitud. 

Sec.  II.  El  Congreso  queda  fa- 
cultado  para  hacer  cumplir  este 
articulo  por  medio  de  leyes  opor- 
tunas. 


THE  UNITED  MEXICAN  STATES. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES. 

Mexico,  also  called  the  Republic  of  Mexico  and  the  Mexican  Repub- 
lic, is  a  union  of  States,  Districts,  and  Territories,  organized  on  the 
same  plan  as  that  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Its  official  name  in  Spanish  is  "Los  Estados  Unidos  Mexicanos," 
usually  translated  into  English  as  "The  United  Mexican  States." 

The  States  are  twenty-seven,  the  names  of  which,  alphabetically 
arranged,  are:  Aguascalientes,  Campeche,  Chiapas,  Chihuahua,  Coa- 
huila,  Colima,  Durango,  Guanajuato,  Guerrero,  Hidalgo,  Jalisco, 
Mexico,  Michoacan,  Morelos,  Nuevo  Leon,  Oaxaca,  Puebla,  Quere- 
taro,  San  Luis  Potosi,  Sinaloa,  Sonora,  Tabasco,  Tamaulipas,  Tlaxcala, 
Veracruz,  Yucatan,  Zacatecas. 

The  Territories  are  two,  respectively  named:  Tepic  and  Lower 
California  {Baja  California  in  Spanish). 

The  Federal  District  comprises,  as  the  District  of  Columbia  does  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  that  portion  of  the  Mexican  territory 
where  the  seat  of  the  national  government  is  established.  The  city  of 
Mexico,  the  capital  of  this  District,  is  also  the  capital  of  the  Union. 

The  uprising  on  the  night  of  the  16th  of  September,  1810,  at  the 
town  of  Dolores,  under  the  leadership  of  the  town's  curate,  Don 
Miguel  Hidalgo,  against  the  authority  of  Spain  in  Mexico,  at  the 
cry  of  "Long  live  Religion!  Long  live  our  Most  Holy  Mother  of 
Guadalupe!  Long  live  America!  Death  to  bad  governments!"  was 
the  first  serious  movement  in  the  list  of  events  which  culminated  in 
the  independence  of  Mexico. 

The  first  Mexican  Congress  (Congreso  de  Anahuac)  met  at  Chil- 
pancingo  on  the  14th  of  September,  1813,  and  on  the  6th  of  November 
following  solemnly  proclaimed  the  independence  of  Mexico. 

On  October  22, 1814,  the  first  Mexican  Constitution  was  promulgated. 
It  created  a  Republic,  and  vested  the  executive  power  in  three  persons 
to  be  elected  by  Congress.  It  was  called  "the  Apatzingan  Constitu- 
tion," from  the  name  of  the  place  where  it  was  signed  and  proclaimed. 

The  triumvirs  elected  were  Don  Jose  Maria  Liceaga,  Don  Jose  Maria 
Morelos,  and  Don  Jose"  Maria  Cos. 

On  February  24,  1821,  the  Iguala  platform  (plan  de  Iguala)  was 
proclaimed.  It  provided  that  Mexico  (New  Spain)  should  be  an  inde- 
pendent monarchy  under  an  Emperor,  the  crown  to  be  offered  first 
to  King  Ferdinand  VII  of  Spain,  and  then,  if  he  failed  to  accept  it,  to 
some  other  princes.  Seventeen  months  afterwards  Don  Agustin  de 
Iturbide,  who  was  the  commander  in  chief  of  the  army  created  by 
this  "plan,"  became  Emperor  of  Mexico,  and  was  crowned  on  Sunday, 
the  21st  of  July,  1822. 

37 


38  THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 

On  the  2d  of  December  following  a  revolutionary  movement  at  Vera- 
cruz, headed  by  Gen.  Don  Antonio  Lopez  de  Santa  Ana,  proclaimed 
a  republican  form  of  government,  and  compelled  Iturbide  to  abdicate 
and  leave  the  country. 

The  ex -Emperor,  having  returned  to  Mexico,  was  arrested,  con- 
demned to  death,  and  executed  July  19,  1824,  just  five  days  after 
landing. 

The  second  Constitution  of  Mexico  ( Constitution  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos  Jlextcanosf,  promulgated  on  October  4, 1824,  established  a  Federal 
Republic  similar  to  the  United  States  of  America. 

The  first  President  under  this  Constitution  was  Gen.  Don  Guadalupe 
Victoria,  who  took  the  oath  of  office  on  October  10,  1824. 

(treat  Britain  and  the  United  States  of  America  recognized  Mexico 
as  an  independent  Republic  in  1825.  Spain  delayed  its  recognition 
until  the  28th  of  December,  1836. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1837^  a  new  Constitution  was  promulgated. 
It  rejected  the  federal  principle,  and  reduced  the  States  to  the  condition 
of  provinces  or  "departmentos,"  subject  to  the  central  government; 
but  the  republican  form  of  government  was  preserved. 

On  May  15, 1856,  President  Comonfort,  acting  under  the  provisions 
of  the  Ayutla  platform  (plan  de  Ayutla),  as  amended  at  Acapulco,  pro- 
mulgated the  Constitution  which  was  called  "Provisional  Organic 
Statute  of  the  Mexican  Republic "  (Estatuto  Orgdnico  Provisional  de 
la  Republica  Mexicana). 

This  statute  was  superseded  on  February  5,  1857,  by  the  present 
"Political  Constitution  of  the  Mexican  Republic"  (ConstiPucion  Poli- 
tica  de  la  Repuhlica  Mexicana). 


UIST  OK  IMPORTANT  BOOKS  TO  BE  CONSULTED  IN  REFERENCE  TO  THE  CON- 
STITUTION OF  THE  UNITED  MEXICAN  STATES. 

Arosemena,  Justo.     Estudios  constitucionales  sobre  los  Gobiernos  de  la  America 

latina.     Paris,  1878. 
Castillo  de  Velazo,  Jose  del.     Derecho  constitucional.     Mexico,  1871. 
Coroxado,  Mariano.     Derecho  constitucional.     Guadalaxara,  1899. 
Gamboa,  J.  M.     Leyes  constitucionales. 

Montiel  y  Duarte.     Derecho  publico  mexicano.     Mexico,  1871. 
Moreno  Cora,  Silvestre.     El  juicio  de  amparo. 
Rodriguez,  F.     Derecho  constitucional. 
Ruiz,  Eduardo.     Derecho  constitucional.     Mexico.     1888. 
Torre,  Juan  de  la.     Constituci6n  mexicana.     Mexico,  1904. 
Tovar,    Pantaleon.     Historia  parlamentaria  del   cuarto    congreso   constituyente. 

Mexico,  1872. 
Vallarta,  Ignacio  L.     Juicio  de  amparo  y  Votos.     Mexico,  1895. 
Zarco,  Francisco.     Historia  del  Congreso  constituyente.     Mexico,  1857. 


CONSTITUTION. 

(Promulgated  February  5,  1857.) 


preambulo. 

En  el  nombre  de  Dios  y  con  la 
autoridad  del  pueblo  mexicano. 

Los  representantes  de  los  dife- 
rentes  Estados,  del  Distrito  y  Terri  - 
torios  que  componen  la  Republica 
de  Mexico,  llamados  por  el  plan 
proclamado  en  Ayutla  el  primero 
de  Marzo  de  mil  ochocientos  cin- 
cuenta  y  cuatro,  ref ormado  en  Aca- 
pulco  el  dia  once  del  mismo  mes  y 
aiio,  y  por  la  convocatoria  expe- 
dida  el  diecisiete  de  Octubre  de 
mil  ochocientos  cincuenta  y  cinco, 
para  constituir  a  la  Nacion  bajo  la 
forma  de  Republica  democratica, 
representativa,  popular,  poniendo 
en  ejercicio  los  poderes  con  que  es- 
tan  investi dos,  cumplen  con  su  alto 
encargo  decretando  la  siguiente 
Constitucion  politica  de  la  Repu- 
blica Mexicana,  sobre  la  indestruc- 
tible base  de  su  legitima  indepen- 
dencia,  proclamada  el  dieciseis  de 
Septiembre  de  mil  ochocientos 
diez,  y  consumada  el  veintisiete 
de  Septiembre  de  mil  ochocientos 
veintiuno. 


TfTCXO  I. 

secci6n  i. 

De  los  derechos  del  hombre. 

ArtIculo  1.  El  pueblo  mexi- 
cano reconoce  que  los  derechos  del 
hombre  son  la  base  y  el  objeto  de 
las  instituciones  sociales.     En  con- 


PREAMBLE. 

In  the  name  of  God  and  by  the 
authority  of  the  Mexican  people. 

The  representatives  of  the  dif- 
ferent States,  of  the  District  and  of 
the  Territories  which  compose  the 
Republic  of  Mexico,  called  upon  by 
the  provisions  of  the  ' '  plan  "  pro- 
claimed in  Ayutla  the  first  of 
March,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty- 
four,  amended  in  Acapulco  the 
eleventh  day  of  the  same  month 
and  year,  and  by  the  summons 
issued  the  seventeenth  of  October, 
eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-five,  to 
convene  for  the  purpose  of  framing 
a  constitution  for  the  nation  and 
making  it  a  popular  representative, 
democratic  republic,  exercising  the 
powers  with  which  the}7  are  vested, 
do  hereby  comply  with  the  require- 
ments of  their  high  office,  by  decree- 
ing the  following  political  Consti- 
tution of  the  Mexican  Republic, 
on  the  indestructible  basis  of  its 
legitimate  independence,  pro- 
claimed the  sixteenth  of  Septem- 
ber, eighteen  hundred  and  ten,  and 
consummated  the  twenty-seventh 
of  September,  eighteen  hundred 
and  twenty-one. 

TITLE  I. 
SECTION   I. 

The  rights  of  man. 

Article  1.  The  Mexican  people 
recognize  that  the  rights  of  man 
are  the  basis  and  the  object  of 
social  institutions.     Consequently 

39 


40 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


secuencia,  declara  que  todas  las 
leyes  y  todas  las  autoridades  del 
pais  deben  respetar  y  sostener  las 
garantias  que  otorga  la  presente 
Constitution. 

Art.  2.  En  la  Republica  todos 
nacen  libres.  Los  esclavos  que 
pisen  el  territorio  nacional,  reco- 
bran  por  solo  ese  hecho  su  libertad 
y  tienen  derecho  a  la  protection  de 
las  leyes. 

Art.  3.  La  ensefianza  es  libre. 
La  ley  determinant  que  profesiones 
necesitan  titulo  para  su  ejercicio, 
y  con  que  requisitos  se  deben  ex- 
pedir. 

Art.  4.  Todo  hombre  es  libre 
para  abrazar  la  profesion,  indus- 
tria  6  trabajo  que  le  acomode, 
siendo  util  y  honesto,  y  para  apro- 
vecharse  de  sus  productos.  Ni 
lo  uno  ni  lo  otro  se  le  podra  impedir 
sino  por  senteneia  judicial,  cuando 
ataque  los  derechos  de  tercero,  6 
por  resolution  gubernativa,  dic- 
tada  en  los  terminos  que  marque 
la  ley,  cuando  ofenda  los  de  la 
sociedad. 

(Art.  5.  Nadie  puede  ser  obli- 
gado  a  prestar  trabajos  personales 
sin  la  justa  retribution  y  sin  su 
pleno  consentimiento.  La  ley  no 
puede  autorizar  ningun  contrato 
que  tenga  por  objeto  la  perdida  6 
el  i  irrevocable  sacrificio  de  la  liber- 
tad del  hombre,  ya  sea  por  causa 
de  trabajo,  de  education  6  de  voto 
religioso.  Tampoco  puede  auto- 
rizar convenios  en  que  el  hombre 
pacte  su  proscription  6  su  des- 
tierro.a) 

Art.  6.  La  manifestation  de 
las  ideas  no  puede  ser  objeto  de 
ninguna  inquisition  judicial  6  ad- 
ministrativa,  sino  en  el  caso  de 
que  ataque  la  moral,  los  derechos 
de  tercero,  provoque  algun  crimen 
6  delito,  o  perturbe  el  orden 
publico. 

(Art.  7.  Es  inviolable  la  liber- 
tad de  escribir  y  publicar  escritos 
sobre   cualquiera   materia.      Nin- 


they  declare  that  all  the  laws  and 
all  the  authorities  of  the  country 
must  respect  and  maintain  the 
guaranties  which  the  present  Con- 
stitution establishes. 

Art.  2.  In  the  Republic  all  are 
born  free.  Slaves  who  set  foot 
upon  the  national  territoiy  re- 
cover, by  that  act  alone,  their 
liberty,  and  have  a  right  to  the 
protection  of  the  laws. 

Art.  3.  Instruction  is  free.  The 
law  shall  determine  what  profes- 
sions require  a  diploma  for  their 
exercise,  and  what  requisites  are 
necessary  to  obtain  said  diplomas. 

Art.  4.  Every  man  is  free  to 
engage  in  any  honorable  and  use- 
ful profession,  industrial  pursuit, 
or  occupation  suitable  to  him,  and 
to  avail  himself  of  its  products. 
The  exercise  of  this  liberty  shall 
not  be  hindered  except  byN  judicial 
sentence  when  such  exercis^  at- 
tacks the  rights  of  a  third  party, 
or  by  executive  order  issued  in  the 
manner  specified  by  law,  when  it 
offehds  the  rights  of  societ}'. 

(Art.  5.  Noone shall becompelled 
to  render  personal  services  without 
just  compensation,  and  without  his 
full  consent.  The  law  shall  not 
permit  any  contract,  compact,  or 
agreement  to  be  entered  into  hav- 
ing for  its  object  the  loss,  or  irre- 
vocable sacrifice  of  the  liberty  of 
man,  whether  it  be  in  relation  to 
labor,  education,  or  a  religious 
vow.  Nor  shall  it  allow  any  agree- 
ment by  which  a  man  stipulates 
his  proscription  or  banishment/') 

Art.  6.  The  expression  of  ideas 
shall  not  be  the  object  of  any  judi- 
cial or  executive  investigation,  ex- 
cept in  case  it  attacks  morality,  the 
rights  of  a  third  party,  provokes 
crime  or  misdemeanor,  or  disturbs 
public  order. 

(Art.  7.  The  liberty  to  write  and 
to  publish  writings  on  any  subject 
is  inviolable.    No  law  or  authoritv 


« Amended  September  25,  1873,  see  page  71. 


CONSTITUTION. 


41 


guna  ley  ni  autoridad  puede  esta- 
blecer  la  previa  censura,  ni  exigir 
fianza  a  los  autores  6  impresores, 
ni  coartar  la  libertad  de  imprenta, 
que  no  tiene  mas  limites  que  el 
respeto  a  la  yida  privada,  a  la 
moral  y  a  la  paz  publica.  Los  de- 
litos  de  imprenta  seran  juzgados 
por  un  juradoquecalifique  el  hecho 
y  por  otro  que  aplique  la  ley  y 
designe  la  pena.a) 

Art.  8.  Es  inviolable  el  derecho 
de  peticion  ejercido  por  escrito, 
de  una  manera  pacifica  y  respe- 
tuosa;  pero  en  materias  politicas 
solo  pueden  ejercerlo  los  ciudada- 
nos  de  la  Republica.  A  toda  peti- 
cion debe  recaer  un  acuerdo  es- 
crito de  la  autoridad  a  quien  se 
haya  dirigido,  y  esta  tiene  obliga- 
cion  de  hacer  conocer  el  resultado 
al  peticionario. 

Art.  9.  A  nadie  se  le  puede 
coartar  el  derecho  de  asociarse  6 
de  reunirse  paciticamente  con  cual- 
quier  objeto  licito;  pero  solamente 
los  ciudadanos  de  la  Republica 
pueden  hacerlo  para  tomar  parte 
en  los  asuntos  politicos  del  pais. 
Ninguna  reunion  armada  tiene 
derecho  de  deliberar. 

Art.  10.  Todo  hombre  tiene  de- 
recho de  poseer  y  portar  armas 
para  su  seguridad  y  legitima  de- 
fensa.  La  ley  senalara  cuales  son 
las  prohibidas  y  la  pena  en  que  in- 
curren  los  que  las  portaren. 

Art.  11.  Todo  hombre  tiene 
derecho  para  entrar  y  salir  de  la 
Republica,  viajar  por  el  territorio 
y  mudar  de  residencia,  sin  necesi- 
clad  de  carta  de  seguridad,  pasa- 
porte,  salvoconducto  u  otro  re- 
quisito  semejante.  El  ejercicio 
de  este  derecho  no  perjudica  las 
legitimas  f  acultades  de  la  autoridad 
judicial  6  admini strati va,  en  los 
casos  de  responsabilidad  criminal 
6  civil. 


shall  establish  previous  censorship, 
or  require  authors  or  printers  to 
give  bond,  or  restrict  the  liberty  of 
the  press,  which  has  no  other  limits 
than  respect  of  private  life,  moral- 
ity, and  the  public  peace.  Trials 
for  offenses  committed  through  the 
press  shall  be  held  before  a  jury 
which  shall  pass  upon  the  facts 
and  another  jury  which  shall  ap- 
ply the  law  and  fix  the  penalt}r  to 
be  imposed. a) 

Art.  8.  The  right  of  petition, 
exercised  in  writing  in  a  peaceful 
and  respectful  manner,  is  inviola- 
ble; but  in  political  matters  only 
citizens  of  the  Republic  may  ex- 
ercise it.  To  every  petition  an 
answer  shall  be  given  in  writing,  in 
the  form  of  a  decree,  by  the  offi- 
cial to  whom  it  may  have  been 
addressed,  and  the  said  official  is 
bound  to  make  the  petitioner  ac- 
quainted with  the  result. 

Art.  9.  No  one  shall  be  deprived 
of  the  right  to  peaceabty  associate 
or  unite  with  others  for  any  lawful 
purpose;  but  only  citizens  of  the 
Republic  are  permitted  to  take 
part  in  the  political  affairs  of  the 
country.  No  armed  reunion  has 
the  right  to  deliberate. 

Art.  10.  Every  man  has  the  right 
to  possess  and  carry  arms  for  his 
security  and  legitimate  defense. 
The  law  shall  designate  what  arms 
are  prohibited,  and  the  punish- 
ment to  be  incurred  by  those  who 
carry  them. 

Art.  11.  Every  man  has  the  right 
to  enter  and  leave  the  Republic, 
to  travel  through  its  territory, 
and  change  his  residence,  with- 
out the  necessity  of  a  letter  of 
security,  passport,  safe  conduct, 
or  other  similar  requisite.  The 
exercise  of  this  right  shall  not 
affect  the  legitimate  faculties  of 
the  judicial  or  executive  author- 
ities in  cases  of  criminal  or  civil 
responsibility. 


«  Amended  May  15,  1883.     See  page  87. 


42 


THE   UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


Art.  12.  No  hay,  ni  se  recono- 
cen  en  la  Republica,  titulos  de 
nobleza,  ni  prerrogativas,  ni  ho- 
nores  hereditarios.  Solo  el  pue- 
blo, legitimamente  representado, 
puede  decretar  recompensas  en 
honor  de  los  que  hayan  prestado 
6  prestaren  servicios  eminentes 
a  la  patria  6  a  la  humanidad. 

Art.  13.  En  la  Republica  Mexi- 
cana  nadie  puede  ser  juzgado  por 
leyes  privativas,  ni  por  tribunales 
especiales.  Ninguna  persona  ni 
corporacion  puede  tener  f ueros,  ni 
gozar  emolumentos  que  no  sean 
compensacion  de  un  servicio  pu- 
blico y  esten  fijados  por  la  ley. 
Subsiste  el  f  uero  de  guerra  sola- 
mente  para  los  delitos  y  faltas  que 
tengan  exacta  conexion  con  la 
disciplina  militar.  La  ley  fijara 
con  toda  claridad  los  casos  de  esta 
exception. 

Art.  14.  No  se  podra  expedir 
ninguna  ley  retroactiva.  Nadie 
puede  ser  juzgado  ni  sentenciado 
sino  por  leyes  dadas  con  anteriori- 
dad  al  hecho  y  exactamente  apli- 
cadas  a  el,  por  el  tribunal  que  pre- 
viamente  haya  establecido  la  ley. 

Art.  15.  Nunca  se  celebraran 
tratados  para  la  extradition  de  reos 
politicos,  ni  para  la  de  aquellos 
delincuentes  del  orden  comun  que 
hayan  tenido  en  el  pais  en  donde 
cometieron  el  delito,  la  condition 
de  esclavos;  ni  convenios  6  trata- 
dos en  virtud  de  los  que  se  alteren 
las  garantias  y  derechos  que  esta 
Constitution  otorga  al  hombre 
y  al  ciudadano. 

Art.  16.  Nadie  puede  ser  moles- 
tado  en  su  persona,  familia,  domi- 
cilio,  papeles  y  posesiones,  sino  en 
virtud  de  mandamiento  escrito  de 
la  autoridad  competente,  que  f  unde 
y  motive  la  causa  legal  del  procedi- 
miento.  En  el  caso  de  delito  in 
fraganti.  toda  persona  puede  apre- 
hender  al  delincuente  y  a  sus  com- 
plices, poniendolos  sin  demora  a 
disposition  de  la  autoridad  inme- 
diata. 


Art.  12.  No  titles  of  nobility, 
or  prerogatives,  or  hereditary 
honors,  are,  or  shall  be  recognized 
in  the  Republic.  Only  the  people, 
legitimately  represented,  may  de- 
cree recompenses  in  honor  of 
those  who  have  rendered  or  ma}' 
render  eminent  services  to  the 
country  or  to  humanity. 

Art.  13.  In  the  Mexican  Repub- 
lic no  one  shall  be  tried  according  to 
special  laws,  or  by  special  tribunals. 
No  person  or  corporation  shall  have 
privileges  or  enjoy  emoluments 
which  are  not  in  compensation  for 
a  public  service  and  established 
by  law.  Military  jurisdiction  shall 
be  recognized  only  for  the  trial  of 
criminal  cases  having  strict  con- 
nection with  military  discipline. 
The  law  shall  clearly  set  forth  the 
cases  included  in  this  exception.- 

Art.  14.  No  retroactive  law 
shall  be  enacted.  No  person  shall 
be  tried  or  sentenced  except  under 
laws  previously  enacted,  exactly 
applicable  to  the  case,  and  by  a 
tribunal  previously  established  b}r 
law. 

Art.  15.  No  treaty  shall  be  made 
for  the  extradition  of  political  of 
fenders,  or  of  offenders  of  the 
common  class,  who  have  been 
slaves  in  the  country  where  the 
offense  was  committed;  nor  shall 
any  agreement  or  treaty  be  entered 
into  which  abridges  or  modifies 
the  guaranties  and  rights  which 
this  Constitution  grants  to  the  man 
and  to  the  citizen. 

Art.  16.  No  one  shall  be  mo- 
lested in  his  person,  family,  domi- 
cile, papers  or  possessions,  except 
by  virtue  of  an  order  in  writing  of 
the  competent  authority,  setting 
forth  the  legal  grounds  upon  which 
the  measure  is  taken.  In  cases  of 
in  flagrante  delicto  any  person  may 
apprehend  the  offender  and  his 
accomplices,  placing  them  without 
delay  at  the  disposal  of  the  nearest 
authorities. 


CONSTITUTION. 


43 


Art.  IT.  Nadie  puede  ser  preso 
por  deudas  de  un  caracter  pura- 
mente  civil.  Nadie  puede  ejercer 
violencia  para  reclamarsuderecho. 
Los  tribunales  estaran  siempre  ex- 
pedites para  adininistrar  justicia. 
Esta  sera  gratuita,  quedando  en 
consecuencia  abolidas  las  costas 
judiciales. 

Art.  18.  Solo  habra  lugar  a  pri- 
sion por  delito  que  merezca  pena 
corporal.  En  cualquier  estado  del 
proceso  en  que  aparezca  que  al 
acusado  no  se  le  puede  imponer  tal 
pena,  se  le  pondra  en  libertad  bajo 
fianza.  En  ningun  caso  podra  pro- 
longarse  la  prision  6  detencion 
por  falta  de  pago  de  honorarios  6 
de  cualquiera  otra  ministracion  de 
dinero. 

Art.  19.  Ninguna  detencion  po- 
dra exceder  del  tennino  de  tres 
dias,  sin  que  se  justifique  con  un 
auto  motivado  de  prision  y  los 
demas  requisites  que  establezca  la 
ley.  El  solo  lapso  de  este  termino 
constitivye  responsables  a  la  autori- 
dad  que  la  ordena  6  consiente,  y  a, 
los  agentes,  ministros,  alcaides  6 
carceleros  que  la  ejecutan.  Todo 
maltratainiento  en  la  aprehension 
6  en  las  prisiones,  toda  molestia 
que  se  infiera  sin  motivo  legal, 
toda  gabela  6  contribucion  en  las 
carceles,  es  un  abuso  que  deben 
corregir  las  leyes  y  castigar  seve- 
ramente  las  autoridades. 


Art.  20.  En  todo  juicio  crimi- 
nal el  acusado  tendra  las  siguientes 
garantias: 

I.  Que  se  le  haga  saber  el  mo- 
tivo del  procedimiento  y  el  nom- 
bre  del  acusador,  si  lo  hubiere. 

II.  Que  se  le  tome  su  declara- 
cion  preparatoria  dentro  de  cua- 
renta  y  ocho  horas,  contadas  desde 
que  este  a  disposicion  de  su  juez. 

III.  Que  se  le  caree  con  los 
testigos  que  depongan  en  su  con- 
tra. 


Art.  17.  No  one  shall  be  arrested 
for  debts  of  a  purely  civil  char- 
acter. No  one  shall  exercise  vio- 
lence in  order  to  enforce  his  rights. 
The  tribunals  shall  always  be 
open  for  the  administration  of 
justice,  which  shall  be  gratuitous, 
judicial  costs  being  consequently 
abolished. 

Art.  18.  Imprisonment  shall 
take  place  only  for  crimes  deserv- 
ing corporal  punishment.  In  any 
stage  of  the  case  in  which  it  shall 
appear  that  such  a  punishment  can 
not  be  imposed  upon  the  accused, 
he  shall  be  set  at  liberty  on  bail. 
In  no  case  shall  the  imprisonment 
or  detention  be  prolonged  for  fail- 
ure to  pay  fees,  or  any  other  pe- 
cuniary charge. 

Art.  19.  No  detention  shall  ex- 
ceed the  term  of  three  days,  unless 
justified  by  a  warrant,  issued  in 
accordance  to  law,  and  giving  the 
grounds  for  the  imprisonment. 
The  mere  lapse  of  said,  time  shall 
render  the  authorit}^  that  orders  or 
consents  to  it  and  the  agents,  min- 
isters, wardens,  or  jailers  who  exe- 
cute it,  responsible  therefor.  Any 
maltreatment  in  the  apprehension 
or  in  the  confinement  of  the  prison- 
ers, any  molestation  which  may  be 
inflicted  without  legal  ground,  or 
any  tax  or  contribution  in  the 
prisons,  is  an  abuse  which  the  laws 
must  correct  and  the  authorities 
severely  punish. 

Art.  20.  In  every  criminal  trial 
the  accused  shall  have  the  follow- 
ing guaranties: 

I.  That  the  grounds  of  the  pro- 
ceedings and  the  name  of  the  ac- 
cuser, if  there  shall  be  one,  be 
made  known  to  him. 

II.  That  his  preliminary  exam- 
ination ba  made  within  forty-eight 
hours,  to  be  counted  from  the  time 
he  may  be  placed  at  the  disposal 
of  the  judge. 

III.  That  he  be  confronted  with 
the  witnesses  who  testify  against 
him. 


44 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


IV.  Que  se  le  faciliten  los  datos 
que  necesite  y  consten  en  el  pro- 
ceso,  para  preparar  sus  descargos. 

V.  Que  se  le  oiga  en  defensa 
por  si  6  por  persona  de  su  con- 
fianza,  6  por  ambos,  segun  su  vo- 
luntad.  En  caso  de  no  tener  quien 
lo  defienda,  se  le  presentara  lista 
de  los  defensores  de  oficio,  para 
que  elija  el  que,  6  los  que  le  con- 
vrengan. 

Art.  21.  La  aplicacion  de  las 
penas,  propiamente  tales,  es  ex- 
clusiva  de  la  autoridad  judicial. 
La  politica  y  adrainistrativa  solo 
podrii  imponer,  como  eorreccion, 
hasta  quinientos  pesos  de  multa  6 
hasta  un  mes  de  reclusion,  en  los 
casos  y  modo  que  expresamente 
determine  la  ley. 


Art.  22.  Quedan  para  siempre 
prohibidas  las  penas  ae  mutilacion 
y  de  infaraia,  la  marca,  los  azotes, 
los  palos,  el  tormento  de  cual- 
quiera  especie,  la  multa  excesiva, 
la  confiscation  de  bienes  y  cuales- 
quiera  otras  penas  inusitadas  6 
trascendentales. 

Art.  23.  Para  la  abolition  de  la 
pena  de  muerte,  queda  a  cargo  del 
poder  administrativo  el  establecer, 
a  la  ma3'or  brevedad,  el  regimen 
penitenciario.  Entretanto,  queda 
abolida  para  los  delitos  politicos, 
y  no  podra  extenderse  a  otros 
casos  mas  que  al  traidor  a  la  patria 
en  guerra  extranjera,  al  salteador 
de  caminos,  al  incendiario,  al  pa- 
rricida,  al  homicida  con  alevosia, 

f>remeditacion  6  ventaja,  a  los  de- 
itos  graves  del  orden  militar  y  a 
los  de  pirateria  que  definiere  la 

Art.  24.  Ningun  juicio  criminal 
puede  tener  mas  de  ties  instancias. 
Nadie  puede  ser  juzgado  dos  veces 
por  el  mismo  delito,  ya  sea  que  en 
el  juicio  se  le  absuelva  6  se  le 
condene.  Queda  abolida  la  prac- 
tica  de  absolver  de  la  instancia. 


IV.  That  he  be  furnished  with 
all  the  information  on  record, 
which  he  may  need  for  his  de- 
fense. 

V.  That  he  be  heard  in  his  de- 
fense, either  personally  or  by 
counsel,  or  b}'  both,  as  he  may  de- 
sire. In  case  he  should  have  no 
one  to  defend  him,  a  list  of  official 
counselors  shall  be  shown  to  him, 
in  order  that  he  may  choose  one  or 
more  to  act  as  his  counsel. 

Art.  21.  The  imposition  of  pen- 
alties properly  go  called  belongs  ex- 
clusively to  the  judicial  authorit}r. 
The  political  or  executive  authori- 
ties shall  only  have  power  to  im- 
pose fines  and  imprisonment,  as 
disciplinary  measures,  the  former 
of  no  more  than  five  hundred  dol- 
lars, and  the  latter  for  no  more 
than  one  month,  in  the  cases  and  in 
the  manner  which  the  law  shall  ex- 
pressty  determine. 

Art.  22.  Punishments  by  muti- 
lation and  infanry,  by  branding, 
flogging,  beating  with  sticks,  tor- 
ture of  whatever  kind,  excessive 
fines,  confiscation  of  property,  or 
any  other  penalties,  unusual,  or 
working  corruption  of  blood,  shall 
be  forever  prohibited. 

Art.  23.  In  order  to  abolish 
the  penalty  of  death,  the  execu- 
tive power  shall  establish,  as  soon 
as  possible,  a  penitentiary  system. 
In  the  meantime  the  penalt}1-  of 
death  shall  be  abolished  for  polit- 
ical offenses,  and  shall  not  be  im- 
posed except  in  cases  of  treason 
during  a  foreign  war,  highwa}^ 
robbery,  arson,  parricide,  murder 
in  the  first  degree,  grave  offenses 
of  military  character,  and  piracy 
as  defined  by  law. 


Art.  24.  No  criminal  case  shall 
have  more  than  three  instances. 
No  person,  whether  acquitted  or 
condemned,  shall  be  tried  again 
for  the  same  offense.  Verdicts  of 
not  proven  are  abolished. 


CONSTITUTION. 


45 


Art.  25.  La  correspondencia 
que  bajo  cubierta  circule  por  las 
estafetas  esta  libre  de  todo  regis- 
tro.  La  violacion  de  esta  ga- 
rantia  es  un  atentado  que  la  ley 
1  castigara  severamente. 

Art.  26.  En  tiempo  de  paz  nin- 
gun  militar  puede  exigir  aloja- 
miento,  bagaje,  ni  otro  servicio 
real  6 personal,  sin  el  consentimien- 
to  del  propietario.  En  tiempo  de 
guerra  solo  podra  hacerlo  en  los 
terminos  que  establezca  la  ley. 

Art.  27.  La  propiedad  de  las 
personas  no  puede  ser  ocupada  sin 
su  consentimiento,  sino  por  causa 
de  utilidad  piiblica  y  previa  indem- 
nizacion.  La  ley  determinara  la 
auto ri dad  que  debe  hacer  la  expro- 
piacion  y  los  requisites  con  que 
esta  haya  de  veriticarse. 

(Ninguna  corporacion  civil  6  ecle- 
siastica,  cualquiera  que  sea  su  ca- 
racter,  denominacion  u  objeto,  ten- 
dra  capacidad  legal  para  adquirir 
en  propiedad  6  administrar  por  si 
bienes  raices,  con  la  unica  excep- 
cion  de  los  edificios  destinados 
inraediata  y  directamente  al  servi- 
cio  u  objeto  de  la  institution. a) 

Art.  28.  No  habra  monopolios 
ni  estancos  de  ninguna  clase,  ni 
prohibiciones  a  titulo  de  proteccion 
a  la  industria.  Exceptuanse  iini- 
camente  los  relativos  a  la  acunacion 
de  moneda,  a  los  correos  y  a  los 
privilegios  que,  por  tiempo  limi- 
tado,  conceda  la  ley  a  los  invento- 
res  6  perfeccionadores  de  alguna 
mejora. 


Art.  29.  En  los  casos  de  inva- 
sion, perturbacion  grave  de  la  paz 
publica  6.  cualesquiera  otros  que 
pongan  a  la  sociedad  en  grande 
peligro  6  conflicto,  solamente  el 
Presidente  de  la  Republica,  de 
acuerdo  con  el  Consejo  de  Minis- 
tros  y  con  aprobacion  del  Con- 
greso  de  la  Union,  y  en  los  recesos 


Art.  25.  Correspondence  sent 
through  the  mails  is  inviolable. 
The  violation  of  this  guaranty  is 
an  offense  which  the  law  shall  pun- 
ish severely. 

Art.  26.  In  time  of  peace  no 
soldier  may  demand  quarters,  sup- 
plies, or  other  real  or  personal 
service,  without  the  consent  of  the 
proprietor.  In  time  of  war  he 
may  do  so,  but  only  in  the  manner 
prescribed  by  the  law. 

Art.  27.  Private  property  shall 
not  be  condemned  without  the 
consent  of  the  owner,  except  for 
public  use,  and  upon  previous 
indemnification.  The  law  shall 
determine  the  authority  which  maj7 
make  the  condemnation  and  the 
conditions  on  which  it  may  be 
carried  out. 

(No  corporation,  civil  or  eccle- 
siastical, whatever  its  character, 
denomination,  or  object  may  be, 
shall  have  legal  capacity  to  acquire 
the  ownership  or  administration 
of  real  estate,  excepting  only  the 
buildings  destined  immediately 
and  directly  to  the  service  and 
object  of  the  institution.0) 

Art.  28.  There  shall  be  no  mo- 
nopolies of  any  kind,  whether  gov- 
ernmental or  private,  nor  prohibi- 
tions whatever  even  if  under 
cover  of  protection  to  industry. 
The  Government's  exclusive  right 
to  coin  money,  and  manage  the 
postal  service,  and  the  privileges 
which,  for  a  limited  time,  the  law 
may  concede  to  inventors  or  im- 
provers of  inventions,  are  excep- 
tions to  this  rule. 

Art.  29.  In  cases  of  invasion, 
grave  disturbance  of  the  public 
peace,  or  any  other  emergency 
which  may  place  society  in  grave 
danger,  the  President  of  the  Re- 
public, and  no  one  else,  shall  have 
the  power  to  suspend,  with  the 
advice  of  the  council  of  ministers 
and  with  the  approval  of  the  Con- 


«  Amended  September  25,  1873,  see  page  71. 


46 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


de  este,  de  la  Diputacion  perma- 
nente,  puede  suspender  las  garan- 
tias  otorgadas  en  esta  Constitution, 
con  excepcion  de  las  que  aseguran 
la  vida  del  hombre;  pero  debera 
hacerlo  por  un  tiempo  limitado, 
por  medio  de  prevenciones  gene- 
rales  y  sin  que  la  suspension  pueda 
contraerse  a  determinado  indivi- 
duo. 

Si  la  suspension  tuviere  lugar 
hallandose  el  Congreso  reunido, 
este  concedera  las  autorizaciones 
que  estime  necesarias  para  que  el 
Ejecutivo  haga  frente  a  la  situa- 
cion.  Si  la  suspension  se  verifi- 
care  en  tiempo  de  receso,  la  Dipu- 
tacion permanente  convocara  sin 
demora  al  Congreso  para  que  las 
acuerde. 


secci6n  ii. 
De  los  mexicanos. 

Art.  30.  Son  mexicanos: 

I.  Todos  los  nacidos,  dentro  6 
fuera  del  territorio  de  la  Repu- 
blica,  de  padres  mexicanos. 

II.  Los  extran  jeros  que  se  natu- 
ralicen  conforme  a  las  leyes  de  la 
Federacion. 

III.  Los  extranjeros  que  ad- 
quieran  bienes  raices  en  la  Repu- 
blica,  6  tengan  hijos  mexicanos, 
siempre  que  no  manifiesten  resolu- 
cion  de  conservar  su  nacionalidad. 

Art.  31.  Es  obligacion  de  todo 
mexicano: 

I.  Defender  la  independencia,  el 
territorio,  el  honor,  los  derechos  e 
intereses  de  su  patria. 

II.  Contribuir  para  los  gastos 
publicos,  asi  de  la  Federacion  como 
del  Estado  y  municipio  en  que  re- 
sida,  de  la  man  era  proporcional  y 
equitativa  que  dispongan  las  leyes. 

Art.  32.  Los  mexicanos  seran 
preferidos  a  los  extranjeros,  en 
igualdad  de  circunstancias,  para 
todos  los  empleos,  cargos  6  comi- 


gress  of  the  Union,  and,  in  the 
recess  thereof,  of  the  Permanent 
Committee,  the  guaranties  estab- 
lished by  this  Constitution,  ex- 
cepting those  relating  to  the  life 
of  man;  but  such  suspension, 
which  in  no  case  shall  be  confined 
in  its  effects  to  a  particular  in- 
dividual, shall  be  made  by  means 
of  a  general  order,  or  decree,  and 
only  for  a  limited  time. 

If  the  suspension  takes  place 
during  the  session  of  Congress, 
this  body  shall  concede  the  author- 
izations which  it  may  deem  neces- 
sary in  order  that  the  Executive 
may  properly  meet  the  situation. 
If  the  suspension  takes  place 
during  the  recess,  the  Permanent 
Committee  shall,  without  dela}', 
call  Congress  to  assemble  in  order 
that  it  may  make  the  concession. 

SECTION   II. 

Mexicans. 

Art.  30.  Mexicans  are: 

I.  All  those  born,  within  or 
without  the  Republic,  of  Mexican 
parents. 

II.  Foreigners  naturalized  in 
conformity  with  the  laws  of  the 
Federation. 

III.  Foreigners  who  acquire  real 
estate  in  the  Republic,  or  have 
Mexican  children,  if  they  do  not 
declare  their  intention  to  retain 
their  nationality  of  origin. 

Art.  31.  It  is  the  duty  of  eveiy 
Mexican: 

I.  To  defend  the  independence, 
the  territory,  the  honor,  the  rights 
and  interests  of  his  county. 

II.  To  contribute  in  the  propor- 
tional and  equitable  manner  pro- 
vided bjT  law,  to  meet  the  public 
expenses  of  the  Federation,  the 
State  and  the  municipality  in  which 
he  resides. 

Art.  32.  Mexicans  shall  be  pre- 
ferred under  equal  circumstances 
to  foreigners,  for  all  public  employ- 
ments, charges,   or  commissions. 


CONSTITUTION. 


47 


siones  de  nombramiento  de  las  au- 
toridades,  en  que  no  sea  indispen- 
sable la  calidad  de  ciudadano.  Se 
expediran  leyes  para  mejorar  la 
condicion  de  los  mexicanos  labo- 
riosos,  premiando  a  los  que  se  dis- 
tingan  en  cualquier  ciencia  6  arte, 
estimulando  al  trabajo  y  f  undando 
colegios  y  escuelas  practicas  de 
artes  y  oticios. 

secci6n  hi. 

De  los  extranjeros. 

Art.  33.  Son  extranjeros  los  que 
no  posean  las  calidades  determina- 
das  en  el  articulo  30.  Tienen  de- 
recho  a  las  garantias  otorgadas  en 
la  seccion  I,  titulo  I,  de  la  pre- 
sente  Constitution,  salva  en  todo 
caso  la  facultad  que  el  Gobierno 
tiene  para  expeler  al  extranjero 
pernicioso.  Tienen  obligacion  de 
contribuir  para  los  gastos  publi- 
cos,  de  la  manera  que  dispongan 
las  leyes,  y  de  obedecer  y  res- 
petar  las  instituciones,  leyes  y 
autoridades  del  pais,  sujetandose  a 
los  fallos  y  sentencias  de  los  tribu- 
nals, sin  poder  intentar  otros  re- 
cursos  que  los  que  las  leyes  conce- 
den  a  los  mexicanos. 


when  the  citizenship  is  not  indis- 
pensable. Laws  shall  be  enacted 
to  improve  the  condition  of  indus- 
trious Mexicans,  by  rewarding 
those  who  distinguish  themselves 
in  any  science  or  art,  promoting 
labor,  and  founding  colleges  and 
manual  training  schools. 


section  III. 

Foreigners. 

Art.  33.  Foreigners  are  those 
who  do  not  possess  the  qualifica- 
tions determined  in  Article  30. 
They  have  a  right  to  the  guaran- 
ties established  by  Section  I,  Title 
I,  of  the  present  Constitution,  ex- 
cept that  in  all  cases  the  Govern- 
ment has  the  right  to  expel  perni- 
cious foreigners.  They  are  under 
obligation  to  contribute  to  the  pub- 
lic expenses  in  the  manner  which 
the  laws  ma}7  provide,  and  to  obey 
and  respect  the  institutions,  laws, 
and  authorities  of  the  country, 
subjecting  themselves  to  the  de- 
cisions of  the  tribunals,  without 
power  to  seek  other  protection 
than  that  which  the  laws  concede 
to  Mexican  citizens. 


secci6n  iv. 

De  los  ciudadanos  mexicanos. 

Art.  34.  Son  ciudadanos  de  la 
Republica  todos  los  que,  teniendo 
la  calidad  de  mexicanos,  reunan 
ademas  las  siguientes: 

I.  Haber  cumplido  diez  y  ocho 
anos  siendo  casados,  6  veintiuno  si 
no  lo  son. 

II.  Tener  un  modo  honesto  de 
vivir. 

Art.  35.  Son  prerrogativas  del 
ciudadano: 

I.  Votar  en  las  elecciones  popu- 
lares. 

II.  Poder  ser  votado  para  todos 
las  cargos  de  eleccion  popular  y 


section  iv. 


Mexican  citizens. 


Art.  34.  Citizens  of  the  Repub- 
lic are  all  those  who,  in  addition  to 
the  quality  of  Mexicans,  haye  the 
following  qualifications: 

I.  To  have  completed  the  age  of 
eighteen  years  if  they  are  married, 
or  of  twenty -one  if  not  married. 

II.  To  have  an  honest  means  of 
livelihood. 

Art.  35.  The  prerogatives  of 
the  citizen  are: 

I.  To  vote  at  popular  elections. 

II.  To  be  eligible  for  any  office 
or   position  of   popular  election, 


48 


THE   UNITED   MEXICAN    STATES. 


nombrado  para  cualquier  otro  em- 
pleo  6  comision,  teniendo  las  cali- 
dades  que  la  ley  establezca. 

III.  Asoeiarse  para  tratar  los 
asuntos  politicos  del  pais. 

IV.  Tomar  las  armas  en  el  ejer- 
cito  6  en  la  guardia  nacional,  para 
la  def ensa  de  la  Republica  y  de  sus 
instituciones. 

V.  Ejercer  en  toda  clase  de  ne- 
gocios  el  derecho  de  peticion. 

Art.  36.  Son  obligaeiones  del 
ciudadano  de  la  Republica: 

I.  Inscribirse  en  el  padron  de  su 
municipalidad,  manifestando  la 
propiedad  que  tiene,  6  la  indus- 
tria,  profesion  6  trabajo  de  que 
subsiste. 

II.  Alistarse  en  la  guardia  na- 
cional. 

III.  Votar  en  las  elecciones  po- 
pulares,  en  el  distrito  que  le  co- 
rresponda. 

IV.  Desempenar  los  cargos  de 
eleceion  popular  de  la  Federation, 
que  en  ningun  caso  seran  gratuitos. 

Art.  37.  La  caiidad  de  ciuda- 
dano se  pierde: 

I.  Por  naturalization  en  pais 
extranjero. 

II.  Por  servir    oficialmente  al 

fobierno  de  otro  pais,  6  admitir  de 
1  condecoruciones,  titulos  6  fun- 
ciones,  sin  previa  licencia  del  Con- 
greso  Federal.  Exceptuanse  los 
titulos  literarios,  cientificos  y  hu- 
manitarios,  que  pueden  aceptarse 
libremente. 

Art.  38.  La  ley  fijara  los  casos 
y  la  forma  en  que  se  pierden,  6  sus- 
penden  los  derechos  de  ciudadano, 
y  la  manera  de  hacer  la  rehabilita- 
tion. 

TrniLo  ii. 

secci6n  i. 

De  la  sdberania  nacional  y  de  la 
forma  de  gobiemo. 

Art.  39.  La  soberania  nacional 
reside  esencial  y  originariaraente 


and  be  qualified  for  serving  offices 
of  other  kinds,  if  having  the  other 
qualities  required  by  law. 

III.  To  associate  with  others  to 
discuss  the  political  affairs  of  the 
country. 

IV.  To  enlist  in  the  army  or  in 
the  national  guard  for  the  defense 
of  the  Republic  and  its  institu- 
tions. 

V.  To  exercise  in  all  kinds  of 
business  the  right  of  petition. 

Art.  36.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
everj'  citizen  of  the  Republic: 

I.  To  register  in  the  list  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  municipality  in 
which  he  lives,  stating  the  prop- 
erty' which  he  owns,  if  an}T,  or 
the  industry,  profession,  or  labor 
b}r  which  he  subsists. 

II.  To  enlist  in  the  national 
guard. 

III.  To  vote  at  popular  elections 
in  the  district  to  which  he  belongs. 

IV.  To  fill  the  federal  offices  to 
which  he  may  be  elected,  and  which 
in  no  case  shall  be  gratuitous. 

Art.  37.  The  character  of  citi- 
zen is  lost: 

I.  By  naturalization  in  a  foreign 
country. 

II.  B}7  officially  serving  the  gov- 
ernment of  another  country  or 
accepting  its  decorations,  titles,  or 
employment  without  previous 
permission  from  the  Federal  Con- 
gress; excepting  literary,  scien- 
tific, and  humanitarian  titles,  which 
may  be  accepted  freety. 

Art.  38.  The  law  shall  determine 
the  cases  and  the  form  in  which 
the  rights  of  citizenship  ma}'  be 
lost  or  suspended,  and  the  manner 
in  which  they  may  be  regained. 

TITLE  II. 
SECTION   I. 

National  sovereignty  and  form  of 
gove?'nment. 

Art.  39.  The  national  sover- 
eignty is    vested  essentially   and 


CONSTITUTION. 


49 


en  el  pueblo.  Todo  poder  publico 
dimana  del  pueblo  y  se  instituye 
para  su  beneticio.  El  pueblo  tiene 
en  todo  tiempo  el  inalienable  de- 
recho  de  alterar  6  modificar  la 
forma  de  su  gobierno. 

Art.  40.  Es  voluntad  del  pueblo 
mexioano  constituirse  en  una  Re- 
publics representativa,  democra- 
tica,  federal,  compuesta  de  Estados 
libres  y  soberanos  en  todo  lo  con- 
cerniente  a  su  regimen  interior, 
pero  unidos  en  una  Federacion  es- 
tablecida  segun  los  principios  de 
esta  ley  fundamental. 

Art.  41.  El  pueblo  ejerce  su 
soberania  por  medio  de  los  poderes 
de  la  Union  en  los  casos  de  su  com- 
petencia,  y  por  los  de  los  Estados 
para  lo  que  toca  a  su  regimen  inte- 
rior en  los  terminos  respectiva- 
mente  establecidos  por  esta  Cons- 
titucion  federal  y  las  particulares 
de  los  Estados,  las  que  en  ningun 
caso  podran  contravenir  a  las  esti- 
pulaciones  del  pacto  federal. 


secoi6n  11. 

De  las  partes  integrantes  de  la  Fede- 
racion y  del  territorio  nacional. 

Art.  42.  El  territorio  nacional 
comprende  el  de  las  partes  inte- 
grantes de  la  Federacion,  y  ademas 
el  de  las  islas  adyacentes  en  ambos 
mares. 

(Art.  43.  Las  partes  integrantes 
de  la  Federacion  son :  los  Estados 
de  Aguascalientes,  Colima,  Chia- 
pas, Chihuahua,  Durango,  Guana- 
juato, Guerrero,  Jalisco,  Mexico, 
Michoacan,  Nuevo  Leon  y  Coa- 
huila,  Oaxaca,  Puebla,  Queretaro, 
San  Luis  Potosi,  Sinaloa,  Sonora, 
Tabasco,  Tamaulipas,  Tlaxcala, 
Valle  de  Mexico,  Veracruz,  Yuca- 
tan, Zacatecas  y  Territorio  de  la 
Baja  California.") 

Art.  44.  Los  Estados  de  Aguas- 
calientes,     Chiapas,     Chihuahua, 


originally  in  the  people.  All  public 
power  emanates  from  the  people, 
and  is  instituted  for  their  benefit. 
The  people  have  at  all  times  the 
inalienable  right  to  alter  or  modify 
the  form  of  their  government. 

Art.  40.  It  is  the  will  of  the  Mexi- 
can people  to  constitute  themselves 
into  a  democratic,  Federal,  repre- 
sentative Republic,  consisting  of 
States,  free  and  sovereign  in  all 
that  concerns  their  internal  gov- 
ernment, but  united  in  a  federation 
according  to  the  principles  of  this 
fundamental  law. 

Art.  41.  The  people  exercise 
their  sovereignty  through  the  Fed- 
eralpowersinthemattersbelonging 
to  the  Union,  and  through  those  of 
the  States  in  the  matters  relating 
to  the  internal  regime  of  the  latter. 
This  power  shall  be  exercised  in 
the  manner  respectively  estab- 
lished by  the  Constitutions,  both 
Federal  and  State.  The  latter 
shall  in  no  case  contravene  the  stip- 
ulations of  the  Federal  Compact. 

SECTION  11. 

Integral  parts  oftheFederation  and 
national  territory. 

Art.  42.  The  national  territory 
comprises  the  integral  parts  of  the 
Federation  and  the  adjacent  islands 
in  both  oceans. 

(Art.  43.  The  integral  parts  of 
the  Federation  are  :  the  States  of 
Aguascalientes,  Colima,  Chiapas, 
Chihuahua,  Durango,  Guanajuato, 
Guerrero,  Jalisco,  Mexico,  Mi- 
choacan, Nuevo  Leon  and  Coa- 
huila,  Oaxaca,  Puebla,  Queretaro, 
San  Luis  Potosi,  Sinaloa,  Sonora, 
Tabasco,  Tamaulipas,  Tlaxcala, 
Valle  de  Mexico,  Vera  Cruz,  Yu- 
catan, Zacatecas,  and  the  Territory 
of  Lower  California.") 

Art.  44.  The  States  of  Aguas- 
calientes,    Chiapas,     Chihuahua, 

«  Amended  April  29,  1863;  November  18,  1868;  January  15  and  April  16, 1869,  and 
December  12,  1884.     See  correct  list  page  37. 

360a— vol  1—06 4 


50 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


Durango,  Guerrero,  Mexico,  Pue- 
bla,  Queretaro,  Sinaloa,  Sonora, 
Tamaulipas  y  Territorio  de  la  Baja 
California,  eonservaran  los  limites 
que  actualmente  tienen. 

Abt.  45.  Los  Estados  de  Colima 
y  Tlaxcala  eonservaran,  en  su  nuevo 
caracter  de  Estados,  los  limites  que 
han  tenido  como  Territorios  de  la 
Federacion. 

Art.  46.  El  Estado  del  Valle  de 
Mexico  se  formara  del  territorio 
que  en  la  actual idad  comprende  el 
Distrito  Federal;  pero  la  ereccion 
solo  tendril  efecto  cuando  los  Su- 
premos Poderes  f  ederales  se  trasla- 
den  a  otro  lugar. 

Art.  47.  El  Estado  de  Nuevo 
Leon  y  Coahuila  comprendera  el 
territorio  que  ha  pertenecido  a  los 
dos  distintos  Estados  que  hoy  lo 
forman,  separandose  la  parte  de  la 
Hacienda  de  Bonanza,  que  se  re- 
incorporara  a  Zacatecas,  en  los 
mismos  terminos  en  que  estaba 
antes  de  su  incorporacion  a  Coa- 
huila. 

Art.  48.  Los  Estados  de  Guana- 
juato, Jalisco,  Michoacan,  Oaxaca, 
San  Luis  Potosi,  Tabasco,  Vera- 
cruz, Yucatan  y  Zacatecas,  re- 
cobmran  la  extension  y  limites  que 
tenian  en  treinta  y  uno  deDieiem- 
bre  de  mil  ochocientos  cincuenta  y 
dos,  con  las  alteraciones  que  esta- 
blece  el  articulo  siguiente. 

Art.  49.  El  pueblo  de  Conte- 
pec,  que  ha  pertenecido  a  Guana- 
juato, se  incorporara  a  Michoacan. 
La  municipahdad  de  Ahualulco, 
que  ha  pertenecido  a  Zacatecas,  se 
incorporara  a  San  Luis  Potosi. 
Las  municipalidades  de  Ojo  Ca- 
liente  y  San  Francisco  de  los  Ada- 
mes,  que  han  pertenecido  a  San 
Luis,  asi  como  los  pueblos  de  Nue  va 
Tlaxcala  y  San  Andre's  del  Teul, 
que  han  pertenecido  a  Jalisco,  se 
incorporaran  a  Zacatecas.  El  de- 
partamento  de  Tuxpam  continuara 
formando  parte  de  Veracruz.  El 
canton  de  Huimanguillo,  que  ha 
pertenecido  a  Veracruz,  se  incor- 
porara a  Tabasco. 


Durango^  Guerrero,  Mexico,  Pue- 
bla,  Queretaro,  Sinaloa,  Sonora, 
Tamaulipas,  and  the  Territory  of 
Lower  California  shall  preserve 
the  limits  which  they  now  have. 

Art.  45.  The  States  of  Colima 
and  Tlaxcala  shall  preserve  in  their 
new  character  of  States  the  limits 
which  they  had  as  Territories  of 
the  Federation. 

Art.  46.  The  State  of  the  Val- 
ley of  Mexico  shall  consist  of  the 
territory  constituting  at  present 
the  Federal  District,  but  it  shall 
not  be  a  State  until  after  the  su- 
preme Federal  Powers  move  to 
some  other  place. 

Art.  47.  The  State  of  Nuevo 
Leon  and  Coahuila  shall  comprise 
the  territory  formerly  belonging 
to  the  two  separate  States  of  which 
it  now  consists,  except  a  part  of  the 
Bonanza  Hacienda,  which  shall  be 
added  to  Zacatecas,  exactly  as  it 
was  before  its  annexation  to  Coa- 
huila. 

Art.  48.  The  States  of  Guana- 
juato, Jalisco,  Michoacan,  Oaxaca, 
San  Luis  Potosi,  Tabasco,  Vera 
Cruz,  Yucatan,  and  Zacatecas  shall 
recover  the  extent  and  limits  which 
they  had  on  the  thirty-first  of  De- 
cember, eighteen  hundred  and  fif  t}T- 
two,  with  the  alterations  estab- 
lished in  the  following  article. 

Art.  49.  The  town  of  Conte- 
pec,  now  belonging  to  Guanajuato, 
shall  be  annexed  to  Michoacan. 
The  municipality  of  Ahualulco, 
belonging  to  Zacatecas,  shall  be 
annexed  to  San  Luis  Potosi.  The 
municipalities  of  Ojo  Caliente  and 
San  Francisco  de  los  Adames,  be- 
longing to  San  Luis,  as  well  as 
the  towns  of  Nueva  Tlaxcala  and 
San  Andres  del  Teul,  belonging 
to  Jalisco,  shall  be  annexed  to 
Zacatecas.  The  department  of 
Tuxpam  shall  continue  to  form  a 
part  of  Vera  Cruz.  The  canton  of 
Huimanguillo,  belonging  to  Vera 
Cruz,  shall  be  annexed  to  Tabasco. 


CONSTITUTION. 
TfTULO  III.  TITLE  m. 

DE  LA  DIVISION  DE  PODERES.  DIVISION  OF  POWERS. 


51 


Art.  50.  El  Supremo  Poder  de 
la  Federacion  se  divide,  para  su 
ejercicio,  en  Legislative),  Ejecu- 
tivo  y  Judicial.  Nunca  podran 
reunirse  dos  6  mas  de  estos  Poderes 
en  una  persona  6  corporacion,  ni 
depositarse  el  Legislativo  en  un 
individuo. 

secci6n  i. 

Del  Poder  Legislativo. 

(Art.  51.  Sedeposita  el  ejercicio 
del  Supremo  Poder  Legislativo  en 
una  asamblea  que  se  denominara 
Congreso  de  la  Union. a) 

Parrafo  I. 

De  la  eleccidn  e  instalacion  del  Congreso. 

(Art.  52.  El  Congreso  de  la 
Union  se  compondra  de  repre- 
sentantes,  elegidos  en  su  totalidad 
cada  dos  anos  por  los  ciudadanos 
mexicanos.a) 

Art.  53.  Se  nombrara  un  Di- 
putado  por  cada  cuarenta  mil  ha- 
bitantes,"  6  por  una  fraccion  que 
pase  de  veinte  mil.  El  territorio 
en  que  la  poblacion  sea  menor  de 
la  que  se  fija  en  este  articulo,  nom- 
brara sin  embargo  un  Diputado. 


Art.  54.  Por  cada  Diputado 
proprietario  se  nombrara  un  su- 
plente. 

Art.  55.  La  eleccion  para  Di- 
putados  sera  indirecta  en  primer 
grado  y  en  escrutinio  secreto,  en 
los  terminos  que  disponga  la  ley 
electoral. 

Art.  56.  Para  ser  Diputado  se 
requiere:  ser  ciudadano  mexicano 
en  ejercicio  de  sus  derechos,  tener 
veinticinco  anos  cumplidos  el  dia 
de  la  apertura  de  las  sesiones,  ser 
vecino  del  Estado  6  Territorio  que 


Art.  50.  The  supreme  power  of 
the  Federation  is  divided  for  its 
exercise  into  legislative,  executive, 
and  judicial.  Two  or  more  of 
these  powers  shall  never  be  united 
in  one  person  or  corporation,  nor 
shall  the  legislative  power  be 
vested  in  one  individual. 

SECTION    I. 

Legislative  Power. 

(Art.  51.  The  supreme  legisla- 
tive power  of  the  nation  is  vested 
in  an  assembly  to  be  called  "  The 
Congress  of  the  Union.  "a) 

Paragraph  I. 

Election  and  installation  of  Congress. 

(Art.  52.  The  Congress  of  the 
Union  shall  consist  of  representa- 
tives, all  of  whom  are  to  be  elected 
every  two  years  by  the  Mexican 
citizens.0) 

Art.  53.  One  representative 
shall  be  elected  for  each  forty 
thousand  inhabitants,  or  for  a  frac- 
tion thereof  which  exceeds  twenty 
thousand.  The  territory  in  which 
the  population  is  less  than  that 
determined  in  this  article  shall, 
nevertheless,  elect  one  represent- 
ative. 

Art.  54.  For  each  representa- 
tive there  shall  be  elected  one 
substitute. 

Art.  55.  The  election  of  repre- 
sentatives shall  be  indirect  in  the 
first  degree,  and  by  secret  ballot, 
in  the  manner  which  the  electoral 
law  shall  provide. 

Art.  56.  Representatives  shall 
have  the  following  qualifications: 
To  be  Mexican  citizens  in  the  en- 
joyment of  their  rights;  to  be 
twenty-five  years  of  age  on  the 
day  of  the  opening  of  the  session; 


"Amended  November  13,  1874.     See  page  72. 


52 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


hace  la  eleccion  y  no  pertenecer  al 
estado  eclesiastico.  La  vecindad 
no  se  pierde  por  ausencia  en  de- 
sempeno  de  cargo  publico  de  elec- 
cion popular. 


(Art.  57.  El  cargo  de  Diputado 
es  incompatible  con  cualquiera  co- 
ncision 6  destino  de  la  Union  en 
que  se  disfrute  sueldo/') 

(Art.  58.  Los  Diputados  pro- 
prietaries, desde  el  dia  de  su  elec- 
cion hasta  el  dia  en  que  concluyan 
su  encargo,  no  pueden  aceptar 
ningun  empleo  de  nombramiento 
del  Ejecutivo  de  la  Union  por  el 
que  se  disfrute  sueldo,  sin  previa 
licencia  del  Congreso.  El  mismo 
requisito  es  necesario  para  los 
Diputados  suplentes  que  esten  en 
el  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones.a) 

(Art.  59.  Los  Diputados  son  in- 
violables  por  sus  opiniones  mani- 
festadas  en  el  desempeno  de  su  en- 
cargo,  y  jamas  podran  ser  recon- 
venidos  por  ellas.a) 

(Art.  60.  El  Congreso  califica 
lai^  elecciones  de  sus  miembros  y 
resuelve  las  dudas  que  ocurran 
sobre  el  las. a) 

(Art.  61.  El  Congreso  no  puede 
abrir  sus  sesiones,  ni  ejercer  su 
encargo,  sin  la  concurrencia  de 
mas  de  la  mitad  del  numero  total 
de  sus  miembros;  pero  los  pre- 
sentes  deberan  reunirse  el  dia 
senalado  por  la  ley  y  compeler  a 
los  ausentes,  bajo  las  penas  que 
ella  designa.") 

(Art.  62.  El  Congreso  tendra 
cada  ano  dos  periodos  de  sesiones 
ordinarias :  el  primero  comenzara  el 
dieciseis  de  Septiembre  y  terminara 
el  quince  de  Diciembre;  y  el  se- 
gundo,  improrrogable,  comenzara 
el  primero  de  Abril  y  terminara 
el  ultimo  de  Mayo.") 


to  be  residents  of  the  State  or 
Territory  in  which  the  election 
is  held,  and  not  to  belong  to  the 
ecclesiastical  state.  Residence  is 
not  lost  by  absence  in  the  dis- 
charge of  a  public  office  of  popu- 
lar election.) 

(Art.  57.  The  position  of  repre- 
sentative is  incompatible  with  any 
salaried  commission  or  office  of 
the  Union.a) 

(Art.  58.  Representatives  shall 
be  disqualified,  from  the  day  of 
their  election  to  the  day  on  which 
their  trust  is  concluded,  from  ac- 
cepting any  salaried  commission  or 
office  from  the  Federal  Executive, 
except  with  previous  permission  of 
the  Congress.  The  same  requisite  is 
necessary  for  the  substitutes,  when 
in  the  exercise  of  their  functions.0) 

(Art.  59.  Representatives  shall 
be  inviolable  for  their  opinions 
manifested  in  the  performance  of 
their  duties,  and  shall  never  be 
liable  to  be  called  to  account  for 
them/') 

(Art.  60.  The  Congress  shall  be 
the  judge  of  the  election  of  its  mem- 
bers, and  shall  pass  upon  any  ques- 
tion which  may  arise  concerning 
the  same/') 

(Art.  61.  The  Congress  shall  not 
open  its  sessions  nor  perform  its 
functions  without  the  presence  of  a 
quorum  consisting  of  more  than 
one-half  of  the  whole  number  of  its 
members;  but  those  present  shall 
meet  on  the  day  fixed  by  the  law 
and  compel  the  attendance  of  the 
absentees  under  the  penalties  es- 
tablished for  that  purpose.") 

(Art.  62.  The  Congress  shall 
have  each  year  two  periods  of  or- 
dinarjr  sessions:  the  first  shall 
begin  on  the  sixteenth  of  Septem- 
ber and  end  on  the  fifteenth  of 
December,  and  the  second,  which 
can  not  be  extended,  shall  begin  on 
the  first  of  April  and  end  on  the 
last  day  of  May/) 


«  Amended  November  13, 1874.   See  pages  72,  73. 


CONSTITUTION. 


53 


Art.  63.  A  la  aperture  de  se- 
siones del  Congreso  asistira  el  Pre- 
sidente  de*  la  Union  y  pronunciara 
un  discurso  en  que  manifieste  el 
estado  que  guarda  el  pais.  El  Pre- 
sidents del  Congreso  contestant  en 
terminos  generales. 

(Art.  64.  Toda  resolucion  del 
Congreso  no  tendra  otro  caracter 
que  el  de  ley  6  acuerdo  economico. 
Las  leyes  se  comunicaran  al  Eje- 
cutivo  firmadas  por  el  presidente 
y  dos  secretarios,  y  los  acuerdos 
economieos  por  solo  dos  secreta- 
rios. a) 

Parrafo  II. 

De  la  iniciativa  y  formation  de  las  leyes. 

Art.  65.  El  derecho  de  iniciar 
leyes  compete: 

I.  Al  Presidente  de  la  Union. 

II.  A  los  Diputados  al  Congreso 
Federal. 

III.  A  las  Legislaturas  de  los 
Estados.a 

Art.  66.  Las  iniciativas  pre- 
sentadas  por  el  Presidente  de  la 
Republica,  las  Legislaturas  de  los 
Estados  6  las  Diputaciones  de  los 
mismos,  pasaran  desde  luego  a 
comision.  Las  que  presentaren 
los  Diputados  se  sujetaran  a  los 
tramites  que  designe  el  Reglamen- 
to  de  debates. a 

Art.  67.  Todo  proyecto  de  ley 
que  fuere  desechado  por  el  Con- 
greso, no  podra  volver  a  present 
tarse  en  las  sesiones  del  ano.a 

Art.  68.  El  segundo  periodo  de 
sesiones  se  destinara,  de  toda  pre- 
ferencia,  al  examen  y  votacion  de 
los  presupuestos  del  ano  fiscal 
siguiente,  a  decretal*  las  contribu- 
ciones  para  cubrirlos,  y  a  la  revi- 
sion de  la  cuenta  del  ano  anterior 
que  presente  el  Ejecutivo. 


Art.  63.  At  the  opening  of  the 
sessions  of  the  Congress  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Union  shall  be  present 
and  make  a  speech  in  which  he 
shall  give  information  of  the  state 
of  the  country.  The  president  of 
the  Congress  shall  repty  in  general 
terms. 

(Art.  64.  All  acts  of  the  Con- 
gress shall  have  the  character 
either  of  laws  or  of  economical 
resolutions.  When  transmitted  to 
the  Executive,  the  laws  shall  be 
signed  by  the  president  and  two 
secretaries,  and  the  economical  res- 
olutions by  only  two  secretaries. a) 

Paragraph  II. 

Origin  and  formation  of  the  laws. 

Art.  65.  The  right  to  originate 
legislation  belongs: 

I.  To  the  President  of  the 
Union.  x 

II.  To  the  members  of  Con- 
gress. 

III.  To  the  legislatures  of  the 
States. a 

Art.  66.  Bills  introduced  by  the 
President  of  the  Republic,  or  by 
the  legislatures  or  deputations  of 
the  States,  shall  immediately  be 
referred  to  the  proper  committee. 
Those  introduced  by  members  of 
Congress  shall  be  subject  to  the 
procedure  established  by  the 
rules. a 

Art.  67.  Bills  rejected  by  the 
Congress  shall  not  be  reintroduced 
during  the  sessions  of  that  year/' 

Art.  68.  The  second  period  of 
sessions  shall  be  devoted  with  pref- 
erence over  all  other  matters,  to  the 
making  of  the  necessary  appropri- 
ations for  the  support  of  the  Gov- 
ernment in  the  following  fiscal 
year,  the  levying  of  the  taxes  nec- 
essary to  meet  the  expenses,  and 
the  examination  of  the  accounts 
of  the  past  year  submitted  by  the 
Executive. 


«  Amended  November  13,  1874.     See  page  74. 


54 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


(Art.  69.  El  dia  penultimo  del 
primer  periodo  de  sesiones  pre- 
sentani  el  Ejecutivo  al  Congreso 
el  proyecto  de  presupuesto  del  afio 
proximo  venidero  y  la  cuenta  del 
afio  anterior.  Uno  y  otra  pasaran 
d  una  comision  compuesta  de  cinco 
representantes  nombrados  en  el 
mismo  dia,  la  cual  tendra  obliga- 
cion  de  examinar  ambos  documen- 
tos  y  presentar  dictamen  sobre 
ellos  en  la  segunda  sesion  del  se- 
gundo  periodo.a) 

(Art.  TO.  Las  iniciativas  6  pro- 
yectos  de  ley  deberan  sujetarse  a 
los  tramites  siguientes: 

I.  Dictamen  de  la  comision. 

II.  Una  6  dos  discusiones  en  los 
terminos  que  expresan  las  frac- 
ciones  siguientes. 

III.  La  primera  discusion  se 
verificara  en  el  dia  que  designe  el 
presidente  del  Congreso,  conf  orme 
a  Reglamento. 

IV.  Concluida  esta  discusion  se 
pasara  al  Ejecutivo  copia  del  ex- 
pediente,  para  que  en  el  termino 
de  siete  dias  manifieste  su  opinion 
6  exprese  que  no  usa  de  esa 
facultad. 

V.  Si  la  opinion  del  Ejecutivo 
fuere  conforme,  se  procedera  sin 
mas  discusion  a  la  votacion  de  la 

VI.  Si  dicha  opinion  discrepare 
en  todo  6  en  parte,  volvera  el  ex- 
pediente  a  la  comision,  para  que, 
con  presencia  de  las  observaciones 
del  Gobierno,  examine  de  nuevo 
el  negocio. 

VII.  El  nuevo  dictamen  suf  rira 
nueva  discusion,  y  concluida  esta 
se  procedera  a  la  votacion. 

VIII.  Aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
absoluta  de  los  Diputados  pre- 
sentes.a) 

(Art.  71.  En  el  caso  de  urgencia 
notoria,  calificada  por  el  voto  de 
dos  tercios  de  los  Diputados  pre- 
sentes,  el  Congreso  puede  estrecbar 


(Art.  69.  The  Executive  shall 
send  to  the  Congress  on  the  last 
day  but  one  of  the  first  period  of 
its  sessions  an  estimate  of  expenses 
for  the  following  year  and  the 
accounts  of  the  preceding  year. 
Both  documents  shall  be  referred 
to  a  committee  of  five  representa- 
tives appointed  on  the  same  day, 
which  shall  examine  them,  and  re- 
port at  the  second  meeting  of  the 
second  period.") 

(Art.  70.  All  bills  shall  go 
through  the  following  stages: 

I.  Examination  and  report  by  a 
committee. 

IL  One  or  two  debates,  in  the 
manner  to  be  set  forth  in  the  fol- 
lowing clauses. 

III.  The  first  debate  shall  take 
place  on  the  day  set  apart  for  that 
purpose  by  the  president  of  the 
Congress,  according  to  the  rules. 

IV.  When  the  debate  is  closed 
a  copy  of  the  record  thereof  shall 
be  sent  to  the  Executive,  in  order 
that  within  the  period  of  seven 
days  it  may  express  its  opinion  or 
waive  the  right  to  express  it. 

V.  If  the  opinion  of  the  Execu- 
tive is  in  favor  of  the  bill  a  vote 
shall  be  taken  on  it  without  further 
debate. 

VI.  If  the  opinion  of  the  Exec- 
utive is  not  in  favor  of  the  bill, 
whether  wholly  or  in  part,  the  bill 
shall  be  recommitted,  in  order  that 
the  observations  made  against  it 
may  be  taken  into  consideration. 

VII.  The  new  report  of  the 
committee  shall  then  be  discussed, 
and  when  the  debate  is  closed  a 
vote  shall  be  taken  upon  it. 

VIII.  Approval  by  absolute 
majority  of  the  representatives 
present.") 

(Art.  71.  In  case  of  notorious 
urgency,  declared  bj-  a  vote  of 
two-thirds  of  the  members  present, 
the  Congress  can  suspend  the  rules 


o  Amended  November  13,  1874.     See  pages  74  and  75. 


CONSTITUTION. 


55 


6  dispensar  los  tramites  estableci- 
dos  en  el  articulo  70. a) 

Pakrafo  III. 
De  las  facultades  del  Congreso. 

Art.  72.  El  Congreso  tiene  fa- 
cultad: 

I.  Para  admitir  nuevos  Estados 
6  Territorios  a  la  Union  federal, 
incorporandolos  a  la  Nacion. 

II.  Para  erigir  los  Territorios 
en  Estados  cuando  tengan  una 
poblacion  de  ochenta  mil  habitan- 
ts y  los  elementos  necesarios  para 
proveer  a  su  existencia  politica. 

(III.  Para  formar  nuevos  Esta- 
dos dentro  de  los  limites  de  los 
existentes,  siempre  que  lo  pida 
una  poblacion  de  ochenta  mil  habi- 
tantes,  justificando  tener  los  ele- 
mentos necesarios  para  proveer  a 
su  existencia  politica.  Oira  en 
todo  caso  a  las  Legislaturas  de 
cuyo  territorio  se  trate,  y  su 
acuerdo  solo  tendra  efecto  si  lo 
ratifica  la  mayoria  de  las  Legisla- 
turas de  los  Estados. a) 

IV.  Para  arreglar  definitiva- 
mente  los  limites  de  los  Estados, 
terminando  las  diferencias  que 
entre  ellos  se  susciten  sobre  de- 
marcacion  de  sus  respectivos  te- 
rritorios, menos  cuando  esas  dife- 
rencias tengan  un  caracter  conten- 
cioso. 

V.  Para  cambiar  la  residencia 
de  los  Supremos  Poderes  de  la 
Federacion. 

VI.  Para  el  arreglo  interior  del 
Distrito  Federal  y  Territorios, 
teniendo  por  base  el  que  los  ciuda- 
danos  elijan  popularmente  las  au- 
toridades  politicas,  municipales  y 
judiciales,  designandoles  rentas 
para  cubrir  sus  atenciones  locales. 


VII.    Para    aprobar   el   presu- 
puesto  de  los  gastos  de  la  Federa- 


and  proceed  without  the  formali- 
ties established  in  article  70. a) 

Paragraph  III. 

Powers  of  Congress. 

Art.  72.  The  Congress  has 
power: 

I.  To  admit  new  States  or  Ter- 
ritories into  the  Federal  Union, 
incorporating  them  in  the  nation. 

II.  To  turn  Territories  into 
States  when    they  shall    have  a 

Eopulation  of  eighty  thousand  in- 
abitants  and  the  necessary  ele- 
ments to  provide  for  their  political 
existence. 

( III.  To  form  new  States  within 
the  limits  of  those  now  existing, 
when  so  requested  by  eighty  thou- 
sand of  their  inhabitants,  and  upon 
proof  that  they  have  the  necessary 
elements  to  meet  the  exigencies 
of  their  political  existence.  In  all 
cases  the  Congress  shall  hear  the 
opinion  of  the  legislatures  of  the 
States  to  which  the  measure  refers, 
and  its  decision  shall  be  carried  into 
effect  only  if  ratified  by^  a  majority 
of  the  State  legislatures. a) 

IV.  To  settle  finally  the  limits 
of  the  States,  terminating  the  dif- 
ferences which  may  arise  between 
them  relative  to  the  demarcation 
of  their  respective  territories,  ex- 
cept when  the  differences  are  of 
judicial  character. 

V.  To  change  the  residence  of 
the  supreme  powers  of  the  Fed- 
eration. 

VI.  To  provide  for  the  internal 
organization  of  the  Federal  Dis- 
trict and  Territories,  upon  the 
basis  that  the  citizens  shall  choose 
by  popular  election  the  political, 
municipal,  and  judicial  authorities, 
and  endow  them  with  the  revenue 
necessary  to  cover  their  local  ex- 
penses. 

VII.  To  approve  the  estimates 
of  the  Federal  expenses,  which  the 


«  Amended  November  13,  1874.      See  pages  75  and  77. 


56 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


cion  que  anualmente  debe  presen- 
tarle  el  Ejecutivo,  e"  imponer  las 
contribuciones  necesarias  para 
cubrirlo. 

VIII.  Para  dar  las  bases  bajo 
las  cuales  el  Ejecutivo  pueda  cele- 
brar  empr^stitos  sobre  el  credito 
de  la  Nation;  para  aprobar  esos 
misinos  empre'stitos  y  para  reco- 
noeer  y  mandar  pagar  la  deuda 
nacional. 

IX.  Para  expedir  aranceles 
sobre  el  comercio  extranjero  y 
para  impedir,  por  medio  de  bases 
generales,  que  en  el  comercio  de 
Estado  a  Estado  se  establezcan 
restricciones  onerosas. 

(X.  Para  establecer  las  bases 
generales  de  la  legislation  mer- 
cantile) 

XI.  Para  crear  y  suprimir  em- 
pleos  publicos  de  la  Federacion, 
sefialar,  aumentar  6  disminuir  sus 
dotaciones. 

XII.  Para  ratificar  los  nombra- 
mientos  que  haga  el  Ejecutivo,  de 
los  Ministros,  Agentes  diplonmti- 
cos  y  Consules,  de  empleados  su- 
periores  de  Hacienda,  de  los  coro- 
neles  y  demas  oficiales  superiores 
del  Ejercito  y  Armada  nacional. 

XIII.  Para  aprobar  los  tratados, 
convenios  6  convenciones  diplo- 
maticas  que  celebre  el  Ejecutivo. 

XIV.  Para  declarar  la  guerra, 
en  vista  de  los  datos  que  le  pre 
sente  el  Ejecutivo. 

XV.  Para  reglamentar  el  modo 
en  que  deban  expedirse  las  pa- 
tentes  de  corso;  para  dictar  leyes 
segun  las  cuales  deban  declararse 
buenas  6  malas  las  presas  de  mar  y 
tierra,  y  para  expedir  las  relativas 
al  derecho  mantimo  de  paz  y 
guerra. 

XVI.  Para  conceder  6  negar 
la  entrada  de  tropas  extranjeras 
en  el  territorio  de  la  Federacion, 
y  consentir  la  estacion  de  escua- 
dras  de  otra  potencia,  por  masde 
un  mes,  en  las  aguas  de  la  Repu- 
blica. 


Executive  shall  annually  submit 
to  it,  and  order  the  taxes  neces- 
sary to  meet  said  expenses  to  be 
levied  and  collected. 

V  III.  To  establish  the  bases  upon 
which  the  Executive  may  make 
loans  on  the  credit  of  the  nation; 
to  approve  said  loans  and  to  recog- 
nize and  order  the  payment  of  the 
national  debt. 

IX.  To  enact  laws  fixing  the 
duties  to  be  levied  on  foreign  com- 
merce, and  prevent,  by  general 
provisions,  onerous  restrictions 
from  being  established  on  the  com- 
merce between  the  States. 

(X.  To  establish  the  general 
bases  of  commercial  legislation.") 

XL  To  create  or  abolish  Fed- 
eral offices,  and  to  fix,  increase,  or 
decrease  their  salaries. 

XII.  To  confirm  the  nomina- 
tions, made  by  the  Executive,  of 
ministers,  diplomatic  agents,  and 
consuls,  superior  officers  of  the 
treasury,  colonels  and  other  su- 
perior officers  of  the  national 
army  and  navy. 

XIII.  To  approve  the  treaties, 
agreements,  or  diplomatic  conven- 
tions which  the  Executive  may 
make. 

XIV.  To  declare  war,  upon  ex- 
amination of  the  facts  submitted 
by  the  Executive. 

XV.  To  regulate  the  manner  in 
which  letters  of  marque  may  be 
issued;  to  enact  laws  according  to 
which  the  prizes  on  sea  and  Jand 
shall  be  adjudged  good  or  bad; 
and  to  frame  the  maritime  law  of 
peace  and  war. 

XVI.  To  grant  or  refuse  per- 
mission to  foreign  troops  to  enter 
the  territoiy  of  the  Republic,  and 
to  allow  fleets  of  other  powers  to 
remain  for  more  than  one  month 
in  the  waters  of  the  Republic. 


"Amended  December  14,  1883.      See  page  87. 


CONSTITUTION. 


57 


(XVII.  Para  permitir  la  salida 
de  tropas  nacionales  f  uera  de  los 
liinites  de  la  Republican) 

XVIII.  Para  levantar  y  sos- 
tener  el  Ejercito  y  la  Armada  de  la 
Union  y  para  reglamentar  su  or- 
ganization y  servicio. 

XIX.  Para  dar  reglamentos  con 
el  objeto  de  organizar,  armar  y 
disciplinar  la  guardia  national, 
reservando  a  los  ciudadanos  que 
la  formen  el  nombramiento  respec- 
tive de  jefes  y  oficiales,  y  a  los 
Estados  la  facultad  de  instruirla 
conforme  a,  la  disciplina  prescrita 
por  dichos  reglamentos. 

XX.  Para  dar  su  consenti- 
miento  a  fin  de  que  el  Ejecutivo 
pueda  disponer  de  la  guardia  na- 
cional fuera  de  sus  respectivos 
Estados  6  Territorios,  fi]ando  la 
fuerza  necesaria. 

XXI.  Para  dictar  leyes  sobre 
naturalization,  colonization  y  ciu- 
dadania. 

XXII.  Para  dictar  leyes  sobre 
vias  generales  de  comunicacion 
y  sobre  postas  y  correos. 

XXIII.  Para  establecer  casas  de 
moneda,  fijar  las  condiciones  que 
debe  esta  tener,  determinar  el 
valor  de  la  extranjera  y  adoptar 
el  sistema  general  de  pesos  y  me- 
didas. 

XXIV.  Para  fijar  las  reglas  a 
que  debe  sujetarse  la  ocupacion  y 
enajenamiento  de  terrenos  baldios 
y  el  precio  de  estos. 

XXV.  Para  conceder  amnistias 
por  delitos  cuyo  conocimiento  per- 
tenezca  a  los  tribunales  de  la  Fede- 
ration. 

(XXVI.  Para  conceder  premios 
6  recompensas  por  servicios  emi- 
nentes  prestados  a  la  patria  6  a  la 
humanidad,  y  privilegios  por 
tiempo  limitado  a  los  inventores  y 
perfeccionadores  de  alguna  me- 
fora.*) 

XXVII.  Para  prorrogar  por 
treinta  dias  utiles  el  primer  periodo 
de  sus  sesiones  ordinarias. 


(XVII.  To  permit  national 
troops  to  go  beyond  the  limits  of 
the  Republic/') 

XVIII.  To  raise  and  maintain 
the  army  and  navy  of  the  Union, 
and  regulate  their  organization 
and  service. 

XIX.  To  make  rules  for  the 
organization,  armament,  and  dis- 
cipline of  the  national  guard,  re- 
serving respectively  to  the  citizens 
who  compose  it  the  appointment  of 
the  commanders  and  officers,  and 
to  the  States  the  power  of  instruct- 
ing it  in  conformity  with  the  dis- 
cipline prescribed  by  said  regula- 
tions. 

XX.  To  consent  to  the  use  by 
the  Executive  of  the  national  guard 
outside  of  its  respective  States 
and  Territories,  determining  the 
strength  of  the  force  required. 

XXI.  To  enact  laws  on  natu- 
ralization, colonization,  and  citi- 
zenship. 

XXII.  To  enact  laws  on  the 
general  means  of  communication 
and  on  post-roads  and  post-offices. 

XXIII.  To  establish  mints,  reg- 
ulate the  value  and  kinds  of  the 
national  coin,  determine  the  value 
of  foreign  coins,  and  adopt  a  gen- 
eral system  of  weights  and  meas- 
ures. 

XXIV.  To  make  rules  for  the 
occupation  and  sale  of  public  lands 
and  the  prices  thereof. 

XXV.  To  grant  pardons  for 
offenses  subject  to  federal  jurisdic- 
tion. 

(XXVI.  To  grant  rewards  for 
eminent  services  rendered  to  the 
country  or  to  humanity,  and  priv- 
ileges for  a  limited  time  to  invent- 
ors and  improvers  of  industrial 
devises.6) 

XXVII.  To  extend  for  thirty 
working  days  the  first  period  of 
its  ordinary  sessions. 


a  Amended  November  13, 1874.    See  page  79.      b  Amended  June  2, 1882.    See  page  84. 


58 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


XXVIII.  Para  formar  su  regla- 
mento  interior  y  tornar  las  provi- 
dencias  necesarias  para  hacer  con- 
currir  a  los  Diputados  ausentes  y 
corregir  las  faltas  u  omisiones  de 
los  presentes. 

XXIX.  Para  nombrar  y  remo- 
ver libremente  a  los  empleados  de 
su  Secretaria  y  a  los  de  la  Conta- 
duria  Mayor,  que  se  organizara 
segun  la  aisponga  la  ley. 

(XXX.  Para  expedir  todas  las 
leyes  que  sean  necesarias  y  propias 
para  hacer  efectivas  las  facultades 
antecedentes  y  todas  las  otras  con- 
cedidas  por  esta  Constitucion  a  los 
Poderes  de  la  Union/') 

Parrafo  IV. 

De  la  Diputacion  permanente. 

(Art.  73.  Durante  los  recesos 
del  Congreso  de  la  Union  habra 
una  Diputacion  permanente,  com- 
puesta  de  un  Diputado  por  cada 
Estado  y  Territorio,  que  nombrara 
el  Congreso  la  vispera  de  la  clau- 
sura  de  sus  sesiones.6) 

Art.  74.  Las  atribuciones  de  la 
Diputacion  permanente  seran  las 
siguientes: 

I.  Prestar  su  consentimiento 
para  el  uso  de  la  guardia  nacional, 
en  los  casos  de  que  habla  el  arti- 
culo  72,  f  raccion  XX. 

(II.  Acordar  por  si  sola,  6  a  peti- 
tion del  Ejecutivo,  la  convocation 
del  Congreso  a  sesiones  extraordi- 
narias.6) 

III.  Aprobar  en  su  caso  los  nom- 
bramientos  a  que  se  refiere  el  ar- 
ticulo  85,  fraction  III. 

(IV.  Recibir  el  juramento  al 
Presidente  de  la  Republica  y  a  los 
Ministros  de  la  Suprema  Corte  de 
Justicia,  en  los  casos  prevenidos 
por  esta  Constitucion.0) 

V.  Dictaminar  sobre  todos  los 
asuntos  que  queden  sin  resolution 
en  los  expedientes,  a  fin  de  que  la 


XXVIII.  To  make  rules  for  its 
internal  government  and  take  the 
necessary  measures  to  compel  the 
attendance  of  absent  members,  and 
punish  the  faults  or  omissions  of 
those  present. 

XXIX.  To  appoint  and  remove 
freely  the  employees  in  the  offices 
of  its  secretary,  and  paymaster, 
which  offices  shall  be  organized  as 
the  law  may  provide. 

(XXX.  To  enact  all  laws  which 
may  be  necessary  and  proper  to 
enforce  the  foregoing  powers  and 
all  others  granted  by  this  Consti- 
tution to  the  authorities  of  the 
Union.0) 

Paragraph  IV. 

The  permanent  committee. 

(Art.  73.  During  the  recesses  of 
Congress  there  shall  be  a  per- 
manent committee  consisting  of  a 
representative  for  each  State  and 
Territory,  appointed  by  the  Con- 
gress on  the  eve  of  the  close  of  its 
sessions.6) 

Art.  74.  The  powers  of  the 
permanent  committee  shall  be  the 
following: 

I.  To  give  its  consent  to  the  use 
of  the  national  guard  in  the  cases 
mentioned  in  article  72,  Clause 
XX. 

(II.  To  call,  on  its  own  motion, 
or  at  the  request  of  the  Executive, 
an  extra  session  of  Congress.6) 

III.  To  approve  the  appoint- 
ments referred  to  in  article  85, 
Clause  III. 

(IV.  To  administer  the  oath  of 
office  to  the  President  of  the  Re- 
public, and  to  the  justices  of  the 
supreme  court  in  the  cases  pro- 
vided for  by  this  Constitution.0) 

V.  To  prepare  a  report  upon  all 
pending  matters,  in  order  that  the 
next  legislature  may  immediately 


a  Amended  April  24,  1896.     See  page  91. 

&  Amended  November  13,  1874.     See  pages  80, 81. 

o  Amended  September  25,  1873.     See  page  71. 


CONSTITUTION. 


59 


Legislatura  que  sigue  tenga  desde 
luego  de  que  ocuparse. 

secci6n  ii. 

Del  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  75.  Se  deposita  el  ejercicio 
del  Supremo  Poder  Ejecutivo  de 
la  Union  en  un  solo  individuo,  que 
se  denominara  "Presidente  de  los 
Estados  Unidos  Mexicanos." 

Art.  76.  La  eleccion  de  Presi- 
dente  sera  indirecta  en  primer 
grado  y  en  escrutinio  secreto,  en 
los  terminos  que  disponga  la  ley 
electoral. 

Art  77.  Para  ser  Presidente  se 
requiere:  ser  ciudadano  mexicano 
por  nacimiento,  en  ejercicio  de  sus 
derechos,  de  treinta  y  cinco  anos 
cumplidos  al  tiempo  de  la  eleccion, 
no  pertenecer  al  estado  eclesiastico 
y  residir  en  el  pais  al  tiempo  de 
verificarse  la  eleccion. 

(Art.  78.  El  Presidente  entrara 
a  ejercer  sus  funciones  el  primero 
de  Diciembre  y  durara  en  su  en- 
cargo  cuatro  anos.a) 

(Art.  79.  En  las  faltas  tempo- 
rales  del  Presidente  de  la  Repu- 
blica,  y  en  la  absoluta,  mientras  se 
presenta  el  nuevamente  electo, 
entrara  a  ejercer  el  poder  el  Presi- 
dente de  la  Suprema  Corte  de 
Justicia.6) 

(Art.  80.  Si  la  falta  de  Presi- 
dente f  uere  absoluta,  se  procedera 
a  nueva  eleccion,  con  arreglo  a  lo 
dispuesto  en  el  articulo  76,  y  el 
nuevamente  electo  ejercera  sus 
funciones  hasta  el  dia  ultimo  de 
Noviembre  del  cuarto  ano  siguiente 
al  de  su  eleccion.0 ) 

Art.  81.  El  cargo  de  Presidente 
de  la  Union  solo  es  renunciable 
por  causa  grave,  calificada  por  el 
Congreso,  ante  quien  se  presen- 
tara  la  renuncia. 


take  them  up  as  unfinished  busi- 
ness. 

SECTION   II. 

Executive  power. 

Art.  75.  The  exercise  of  the 
supreme  executive  power  of  the 
Union  is  vested  in  a  single  individ- 
ual, who  shall  be  called  "  President 
of  the  United  Mexican  States." 

Art.  76.  The  election  of  Presi- 
dent shall  be  indirect  in  the  first 
degree,  and  by  secret  ballot,  in 
such  manner  as  may  be  prescribed 
by  the  electoral  law. 

Art.  77.  No  person  shall  be 
eligible  to  the  position  of  Presi- 
dent who  is  not  a  Mexican  citizen 
by  birth,  in  the  exercise  of  his 
rights,  thirty- five  years  old  at  the 
time  of  the  election,  not  belonging 
to  the  ecclesiastical  state,  and  a 
resident  of  the  country  at  the  time 
in  which  the  election  is  held. 

(Art.  78.  The  President  shall 
enter  upon  the  performance  of 
the  duties  of  his  office  on  the 
first  of  December,  and  shall  con- 
tinue in  office  four  years.01) 

(Art.  79.  In  the  temporary  va- 
cancies of  the  office  of  President  of 
the  Republic,  and  in  the  absolute 
vacancy  until  the  inauguration  of 
the  newly  elected  President,  the 
chief  justice  of  the  supreme  court 
shall  act  as  President.6) 

(Art.  80.  In  case  of  absolute 
vacancy  of  the  office  of  President 
a  new  election  shall  be  held  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  provisions  of 
article  76,  and  the  newly  elected 
President  shall  perform  his  func- 
tions until  the  last  day  of  Novem- 
ber of  the  fourth  year  following 
his  election/) 

Art.  81.  The  President  of  the 
Union  can  not  resign  his  position, 
except  for  grave  cause,  approved 
by  Congress,  to  which  the  resig- 
nation shall  be  tendered. 


a  Amended  May  5,  1878,  October  21,  1887 
December  20,  1890.     See  page  90. 

&  Amended  October  3,  1882,  and  April  24,  1896 
c  Amended  April  24,  189G.     See  page  94. 


See  pages  82  and  90.      Reenacted 
See  pages  84  and  91. 


60 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


(Art.  82.  Si  por  cualquier  mo- 
tivo  la  eleecion  de  Presidente  no  es- 
tuviere  hecha  y  publicada  para  el 
primero  de  Diciembre,  en  que  debe 
verificarse  el  reemplazo,  6  el  electo 
no  estuviere  pronto  a  entrar  en  el 
ejercicio  de  sus  funciones,  cesara, 
sin  embargo  el  antiguo,  y  el  Su- 
premo Poder  Ejecutivo  se  depo- 
sitary interinamente  en  el  Presi- 
dente de  la  Suprema  Corte  de  Jus- 
ticiar) 

(Art.  83.  El  Presidente,  al  to- 
mar  posesion  de  su  encargo,  jurara 
ante  el  Congreso,  y  en  su  receso 
ante  la  Diputacion  permamente, 
bajo  la  formula  siguiente:  "Juro 
desempenar  leal  y  patrioticamente 
el  encargo  de  Presidente  de  los 
Estados  Unidos  Mexicanos,  con- 
forme  a  la  Constitucion,  y  mirando 
en  todo  por  el  bien  y  la  prosperi- 
dad  de  la  Union."6) ' 

Art.  84.  El  Presidente  no  puede 
separarse  del  lugar  de  la  residen- 
cia  de  los  Poderes  federales,  ni 
del  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones,  sin 
motivo  grave,  calificado  por  el 
Congreso,  y  en  sus  recesos  por  la 
Diputacion  permanente. 

Art.  85.  Las  facultades  y  obli- 
gaciones  del  Presidente  son  las 
siguientes: 

I.  Promulgar  y  ejecutar  las 
leyes  que  expida  el  Congreso  de 
la  Union,  proveyendo  en  la  esfera 
administrativa  a  su  exacta  obser- 
vancia. 

II.  Nombrar  y  remover  libre- 
mente  a  los  Secretarios  del  despa- 
cho;  remover  a  los  agentes  diplo- 
matics y  empleados  superiores 
de  Hacienda,  y  nombrar  y  remover 
libremente  a  los  demas  empleados 
de  la  Union  cuyo  nombramiento  6 
remocion  no  esten  determinados 
de  otro  modo  en  la  Constitucion  6 
en  las  leyes. 

III.  Nombrar  los  Ministros, 
Agentes  diplomaticos  y  Consules 
generales,  con  aprobacion  del  Con- 


(Art.  82.  If  for  any  reason  what- 
ever the  election  of  President  is 
not  made  and  published  by  the 
first  of  December,  on  whicn  day 
the  transfer  of  the  office  should  be 
made,  or  if  the  President-elect  is 
not  then  ready  to  enter  upon  the 
discharge  of  his  duties,  the  former 
President  shall  cease,  nevertheless, 
and  the  executive  power  shall  be 
vested  ad  interim  in  the  chief  jus- 
tice of  the  supreme  court.0) 

(Art.  83.  The  President,  on  tak- 
ing possession  of  his  office,  shall 
take  before  Congress,  and  in  its 
recess  before  the  permanent  com- 
mittee, the  following  oath:  "I 
swear  to  perform  loyally  and 
patriotically  the  duties  of  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  Mexican  States, 
according  to  the  Constitution,  hav- 
ing alwa}Ts  in  view  the  welfare  and 
prosperit}'  of  the  Union."6) 

Art.  84.  The  President  shall 
not  leave  the  place  of  residence  of 
the  Federal  powers,  nor  lay  aside 
the  exercise  of  his  functions,  with- 
out grave  cause,  approved  by  the 
Congress,  and  in  its  recesses  by 
the  permanent  committee. 

Art.  85.  The  powers  and  duties 
of  the  President  are  the  following: 

I.  To  promulgate  and  execute 
the  laws  passed  by  the  Congress 
of  the  Union,  providing,  within 
the  Executive  sphere,  for  their 
exact  observance. 

II.  To  appoint  and  remove 
freely  the  secretaries  of  state,  to 
remove  the  diplomatic  agents  and 
superior  officers  of  the  treasury, 
and  to  appoint  and  remove  freely 
the  other  federal  officials  whose 
appointment  or  removal  is  not 
otherwise  provided  for  in  the  Con- 
stitution or  the  laws. 

III.  To  appoint,  with  the  appro- 
val of  Congress,  and,  in  its  recess, 
of  the  permanent  committee,  min- 


a  Amended  October  3,  1882.     See  page  86.     &  Amended  April  24, 1896.     See  page  94. 


CONSTITUTION. 


61 


greso,  y  en  su  receso  de  la  Diputa- 
cion  permanente. 

IV.  Nombrar,  con  aprobaeion 
del  Congreso,  los  Coroneles  y 
demas  oficiales  superiores  del 
Ejercito  y  Armada  nacional  y  los 
empleados  superiores  de  Hacienda. 

V.  Nombrar  los  demas  oficiales 
del  Ejercito  y  Armada  nacional,  con 
arreglo  a  las  leyes. 

VI.  Disponer  de  la  fuerza  ar- 
mada permanente  de  mar  y  tierra 
para  la  seguridad  interior}7  defen- 
sa  exterior  de  la  Federacion. 

VII.  Disponer  de  la  guardia  na- 
cional para  los  mismos  objetos,  en 
los  terminos  que  previene  la  frac- 
tion XX  del  articulo  72. 

VIII.  Declarar  la  guerra  en 
nombre  de  los  Estados  Unidos  Me- 
xicanos,  previa  ley  del  Congreso 
de  la  Union. 

IX.  Conceder  patentes  de  corso, 
con  sujecion  a  las  bases  fijadas  por 
el  Congreso. 

X.  Dirigir  las  negociaciones  di- 

{)lomaticas  y  celebrar  tratados  con 
as  potencias  extranjeras,  some- 
tiendolos  a  la  ratification  del  Con- 
greso Federal. 

XI.  Recibir  Ministros  y  otros 
enviados  de  las  potencias  extran- 
jeras. 

XII.  ConVocar  al  Congreso  a 
sesiones  extraordinarias  cuando  lo 
acuerde  la  Diputacion  permanente. 

XIII.  Facilitar  al  Poder  Judi- 
cial los  auxilios  que  necesite  para 
el  ejercicio  expedito  de  sus  fun- 
ciones. 

XIV.  Habilitar  toda  clase  de 
puertos,  establecer  aduanas  mari- 
timas  y  f ronterizas  y  designar  su 
ubicacion. 

(XV.  Conceder,  conforme  a  las 
leyes,  indultos  a  los  reos  senten- 
ciados  por  delitos  de  la  competen- 
cia  de  los  tribunales  federates. ft) 

Art.  86.  Para  el  despacho  de 
los  negocios  del  orden  administra- 
tivo  de  la  Federacion,  habra  el 
numero  de  Secretarios  que   esta- 


isters,  diplomatic  agents,  and  con- 
suls-general. 

IV.  To  appoint,  with  the  ap- 
proval of  Congress,  colonels  and 
other  superior  officers  of  the 
national  army  and  navy,  and  supe- 
rior officers  of  the  treasury. 

V.  To  appoint  all  other  officers 
of  the  national  army  and  navy, 
according  to  the  laws. 

VI.  To  dispose  of  the  perma- 
nent land  and  sea  forces  for  the 
security  and  defense  of  the  Fed- 
eration. 

VII.  To  dispose  of  the  national 
guard  for  the  same  purposes,  in 
the  manner  provided  by  article  72, 
clause  XX. 

VIII.  To  declare  war  in  the  name 
of  the  United  Mexican  States,  after 
the  passage  of  the  necessaiy  law  by 
the  Congress  of  the  Union. 

IX.  To  grant  letters  of  marque, 
upon  the  bases  fixed  by  the  Con- 
gress. 

X.  To  conduct  diplomatic  nego 
tiations  and  to  make  treaties  with 
foreign  powers,  submitting  them 
for  ratification  to  the  Federal  Con- 
gress. 

XI.  To  receive  ministers  and 
other  envoys  from  foreign  powers. 

XII.  To  call,  upon  resolution  of 
the  permanent  committee,  an  extra 
session  of  Congress. 

XIII.  To  give  the  judicial  power 
the  assistance  which  may  be  nec- 
essary for  the  free  exercise  of  its 
functions. 

XIV.  To  open  all  classes  of 
ports,  establish  maritime  and  fron- 
tier custom-houses  and  designate 
their  location. 

(XV.  To  grant,  according  to 
law.  pardons  to  criminals  sen- 
tenced for  offenses  within  the  juris- 
diction of  the  Federal  tribunals. a) 

Art.  86.  For  the  transaction  of 
the  business  of  the  executive  de- 
partment of  the  Federation  there 
shall  be  the  number  of  secretaries 


«  Amended  June  2,  1882.     See  page  84. 


62 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


blezca  el  Congreso  por  una  ley,  la 
que  hara  la  distribucion  de  los 
negocios  que  han  de  estar  a  cargo 
de  cada  Secretaria. 

Art.  87.  Para  ser  Secretario 
del  despaeho  se  requiere:  ser  ciu- 
dadano  mexicano  por  nacimiento, 
estar  en  ejercicio  de  sus  derechos  y 
tener  veinticinco  anos  cuuiplidos. 

Art.  88.  Todos  los  reglamen- 
tos,  decretos  y  ordenes  del  Presi- 
dente  deberan  ir  tirmados  por  el 
Secretario  del  despaeho  encargado 
del  ramo  a  que  el  asunto  corres- 
ponde.  Sin  este  requisite  no  seran 
obedecidos. 

Art.  89.  Los  Secretarios  del 
despaeho,  luego  que  esten  abiertas 
las  sesiones  del  primer  periodo, 
daran  cuenta  al  Congreso  del 
estado  de  sus  respectivos  ramos. 

secci6n  hi. 

Del  Poder  Judicial. 

Art.  90.  Se  deposita  el  ejercicio 
del  Poder  Judicial  de  la  Federa- 
tion en  una  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia  y  en  los  tribunales  de  Dis- 
trito  y  de  Circuito. 

Art.  91.  La  Suprema  Corte  de 
Justicia  se  compondra  de  once 
Ministros  propietarios,  cuatro  su- 
pernumeraries, un  Fiscal  y  un  Pro- 
curador  general. 

Art.  92.  Cada  uno  de  los  indi- 
viduos  de  la  Suprema  Corte  de 
Justicia  durara  en  su  encargo  seis 
anos,  y  su  election  sera  indirecta 
en  primer  grado,  en  los  terminos 
que  disponga  la  ley  electoral. 

Art.  93.  Para  ser  electo  indi- 
viduo  de  la  Suprema  Corte  de  Jus- 
ticia se  necesita:  estar  instruido 
en  la  ciencia  del  derecho,  a  juicio 
de  los  electo  res;  ser  mayor  de 
treinta  y  cinco  anos  y  ciudadano 
mexicano  por  nacimiento,  en  ejer- 
cicio de  sus  derechos. 

(Art.  94.  Los  individuos  de  la 
Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia,  al  en- 
trar  a  ejercer  su  encargo,  presta- 
ran  juramento  ante  el  Congreso,  y 
en  sus  recesos  ante  la  Diputacion 


which  the  Congress  may  fix  by  law, 
said  law  to  provide  also  for  the 
distribution  of  business  among  the 
different  secretaries. 

Art.  87.  No  person  shall  be  ap- 
pointed Secretary  who  is  not  a 
Mexican  citizen  by  birth,  in  the 
exercise  of  his  rights,  and  twenty- 
five  years  old. 

Art.  88.  All  rules,  decrees,  and 
orders  of  the  President  shall  be 
signed  by  the  secretary  of  the 
department  to  which  the  subject 
belongs.  Without  this  requisite 
they  shall  not  be  obeyed. 

Art.  89.  The  Secretaries  shall, 
as  soon  as  the  sessions  of  the  first 
period  are  opened,  render  an  ac- 
count to  the  Congress  of  the  state 
of  their  respective  departments. 

SECTION   III. 

Judicial  power. 

Art.  90.  The  judicial  power  of 
the  Federation  is  vested  in  a  su- 
preme court  and  in  the  district  and 
circuit  courts. 

Art.  91.  The  supreme  court 
shall  consist  of  eleven  justices,  four 
supernumerary  justices,  one  attor- 
nejr-general,  and  one  solicitor- 
general.     . 

Art.  92.  The  justices  of  the  su- 
preme court  shall  serve  for  six 
years,  and  their  election  shall  be 
indirect  in  the  first  degree,  in  the 
manner  established  by  the  elec- 
toral law. 

Art.  93.  No  person  shall  be 
eligible  to  the  position  of  justice 
of  the  supreme  court  who,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  electors,  is  not 
learned  in  the  science  of  law, 
thirty-five  years  of  age,  and  a 
Mexican  citizen  by  birth,  in  the 
exercise  of  his  rights. 

(Art.  94.  The  justices  of  the 
supreme  court  shall,  on  enter- 
ing upon  the  exercise  of  their 
functions,  take  an  oath  before 
Congress,    and,    in    its    recesses, 


CONSTITUTION. 


63 


permanente,  en  la  forma  siguiente: 
"  i  Jurais  desempenar  leal  y  patrio- 
ticamente  el  cargo  de  Magistrado 
de  la  Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia 
que  os  ha  conferido  el  pueblo,  con- 
forme  a  la  Constitucion  y  mirando 
en  todo  por  el  bien  y  prosperidad 
de  la  Union  ? "«) 


Art.  95.  El  cargo  de  individuo 
de  la  Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia 
solo  es  renunciable  por  causa  grave, 
calificada  por  el  Congreso,  ante 
quien  se  presentara  la  renuncia. 
En  los  recesos  de  este  la  califica- 
cion  se  hara  por  la  Diputacion  per- 
manente. 

Art.  96.  La  ley  establecera  y 
organizara  los  tribunales  de  Cir- 
cuito  y  de  Distrito.  <^_ 

Art.  97.  Corresponde  a  los  tri- 
bunales de  la  Federacion  conocer: 

(I.  Detodas  las  controversias  que 
se  susciten  sobre  el  cumplimento  y 
aplicacion  de  las  leyes  federates.6) 

II.  De  las  que  versen  sobre  De- 
recho  maritimo. 

III.  De  aquellas  en  que  la  Fe- 
deracion fuere  parte. 

IV.  De  las  que  se  susciten  entre 
dos  6  mas  Estados. 

V.  De  las  que  se  susciten  entre 
un  Estado  y  uno  6  mas  vecinos  de 
otro. 

VI.  De  las  del  orden  civil  6 
criminal  que  se  susciten  a  con- 
secuencia  de  los  tratados  celebra- 
dos  con  las  potencias  extranjeras. 

VII.  De  los  casos  concernientes 
a  los  agentes  diplomaticos  y  con- 
sules. 

Art.  98.  Corresponde  a  la  Su- 
prema Corte  de  J  usticia  desde  la 
primera  instancia,  el  conocimiento 
de  las  controversias  que  se  susciten 
de  un  Estado  con  otro,  y  de  aque- 
llas en  que  la  Union  fuere  parte. 

Art.  99.  Corresponde  tambien 
a  la  Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia 


before  the  permanent  committee, 
in  the  following  form:  "  Do  you 
swear  to  perform  loyally  and 
patrioticalty  the  functions  of  jus- 
tice of  the  supreme  court  of  jus- 
tice, which  the  people  have  con- 
ferred upon  you,  in  conformity 
with  the  Constitution,  having  al- 
ways in  view  the  welfare  and  pros- 
perity of  the  Union  'i "  a) 

Art.  95.  No  resignation  of  the 
position  of  justice  of  the  supreme 
court  shall  be  admitted,  except  for 
grave  cause,  approved  by  the  Con- 
gress, to  whom  the  resignation 
shall  be  tendered.  In  the  recesses 
of  the  Congress  the  power  to  act 
on  this  matter  belongs  to  the  per- 
manent committee. 

Art.  96.  The  law  shall  establish 
and  organize  the  circuit  and  dis- 
trict courts. 

Art.  97.  The  Federal  tribunals 
shall  take  cognizance  of: 

(I.  All  controversies  which  may 
arise  in  regard  to  the  compliance 
with  and  application  of  the  Federal 
laws.6) 

II.  All  cases  pertaining  to  mari- 
time law. 

III.  All  cases  to  which  the  Fed- 
eration may  be  a  party. 

IV.  All  cases  which  may  arise 
between  two  or  more  States. 

V.  All  cases  which  may  arise 
between  a  State  and  one  or  more 
citizens  of  another  State. 

VI.  All  civil  or  criminal  cases 
that  may  arise  out  of  treaties  with 
foreign  powers. 

VII.  All  cases  concerning  diplo- 
matic agents  and  consuls. 

Art.  98.  The  supreme  court 
shall  have  original  jurisdiction 
of  controversies  which  may  arise 
between  one  State  and  another, 
and  of  those  to  which  the  Union 
may  be  a  party. 

Art.  99.  Tlie  supreme  court 
shall  also   have   power  to  settle 


«  Amended  September  25,  1873.     See  page  70. 
b  Amended  May  29,  1884.     See  page  88. 


64 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


dirimir  las  competencias  que  se 
susciten  entre  los  tribunales  de  la 
Federacion,  entre  e'stos  y  los  de 
los  Estados,  6  entre  los  de  un 
Estado  y  los  de  otro. 

Art.  100.  En  los  demas  casos 
comprendidos  en  el  articulo  97,  la 
Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia  sera 
tribunal  de  apelacion,  6  bien  de 
ultima  instaneia,  conform e  a  la 
graduacion  que  haga  la  ley  de  las 
atribuciones  de  los  tribunales  de 
Circuito  y  de  Distrito. 

Art.  101.  Los  tribunales  de  la 
Federacion  resolveran  todacontro- 
versia  que  se  suscite: 

I.  Por  leyes  6  actos  de  cual- 
quiera  autoridad  que  violen  las 
garantias  individuates. 

II.  Por  leyes  6  actos  de  la  auto- 
ridad federal  que  vulneren  6  res- 
trinjan  la  soberania  de  los  Estados. 

III.  Por  leyes  6  actos  de  las  au- 
toridades  de  estos,  que  invadan  la 
esfera  de  la  autoridad  federal. 

Art.  102.  Todos  los  juicios  de 
que  habla  el  articulo  anterior  se 
seguinin,  a  peticion  de  la  parte 
agraviada,  por  medio  de  procedi- 
mientos  y  formas  del  oraen  juri- 
dico,  que  determinara  una  ley. 
La  sentencia  sera  siempre  tal,  que 
solo  se  ocupe  de  individuos  par- 
ticulares,  limitandose  a  protege rlos 
y  ampararlos  en  el  caso  especial 
sobre  que  verse  el  proceso,  sin  ha- 
cer  ninguna  declaracion  general 
respecto  de  la  ley  6  acto  que  la 
motivare. 


TfTULO  IV. 

DE  LA  RESPONSABILIDAD  DE  LOS 
FUNCIONARIOS  PUBLICOS. 

(Art.  103.  Los  Diputados  al  Con- 

freso  de  la  Union,  los  individuos 
e  la  Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia  y 
los  Secretarios  del  despacho,  son 
responsables  por  los  delitos  comu- 
nes  que  cometan  durante  el  tiem- 
po  de  su  encargo,  y  por  los  delitos, 
faltas  ii  omisiones  en  que  incurran 


questions  of  jurisdiction  between 
Federal  tribunals,  between  these 
tribunals  and  those  of  the  States, 
or  between  those  of  one  State  and 
those  of  another. 

Art.  100.  In  all  the  other  cases 
mentioned  in  article  97,  the  su- 
preme court  shall  be  either  a  court 
of  appeals,  or  a  court  of  last  resort, 
as  may  be  defined  b}r  the  law  regu- 
lating the  jurisdiction  of  the  cir- 
cuit and  district  courts. 

Art.  101.  The  tribunals  of  the 
Federation  shall  decide  all  ques- 
tions arising  out  of: 

I.  Laws  or  acts  of  whatever  au- 
thority violating  individual  guar- 
anties. 

II.  Laws  or  acts  of  the  Federal 
authorit}T  encroaching  upon  or  re- 
stricting the  sovereignty  of  the 
States. 

III.  Laws  or  acts  of  the  State 
authorities  invading  the  sphere  of 
the  Federal  authority. 

Art.  102.  All  the  cases  referred 
to  in  the  preceding  article  shall  be 
conducted,  on  petition  of  the  ag- 
grieved party,  according  to  rules 
of  proceedings  which  a  special  law 
shall  establish.  The  decision  shall 
always  be  rendered  in  such  a  lan- 
guage as  to  exclusively  jiffect  the 
individuals  concerned  in  the  case, 
limiting  itself  to  defend  and  protect 
them  in  the  special  case  to  which 
the  proceedings  refer,  without 
making  any  general  declaration 
respecting  the  law  or  the  act  which 
gave  rise  to  the  case. 

TITLE  TV. 

RESPONSIBILITY  OF  THE  PUBLIC 
FUNCTIONARIES. 

(Art.  103.  Members  of  the  Con- 
gress of  the  Union,  the  chief  jus- 
tice and  associate  justices  of  the 
supreme  court,  and  the  members 
of  the  cabinet  are  responsible  for 
the  common  offenses  which  they 
may  commit  during  their  terms  of 
office,  and  for  the  crimes,  misde- 


CONSTITUTION. 


65 


en  el  ejercicio  de  ese  mismo  encar- 
go. Los  Gobernadores  de  los  Es- 
tados  lo  son  igualmente  por  inf rac- 
cion  de  la  Constitucion  y  leyes 
federales.  Lo  es  tambi^n  el  Pre- 
sidente  de  la  Republica;  pero  du- 
rante el  tiempo  de  su  encargo,  solo 
podra  ser  acusado  por  los  delitos 
de  traicion  a  la  Patria,  violacion 
expresa  de  la  Constitucion,  ataque 
a  la  libertad  electoral  y  delitos 
graves  del  orden  comun.a) 


(Art.  104.  Si  el  delito  fuere 
comun,  el  Congreso,  erigido  en 
gran  jurado,  declarara,  a  mayoria 
absoluta  de  votos,  si  ha  6  no  lugar 
a  proceder  contra  el  acusado.  En 
caso  negativo  no  habra  lugar  a 
ningun  procedimiento  ulterior. 
En  el  afirmativo,  el  acusado  queda 
por  el  mismo  hecho  separado  de 
su  encargo  y  sujeto  a  la  accion  de 
los  tribunales  comunes.a) 


(Art.  105.  De  los  delitos  oficia- 
les  conoceran:  el  Congreso  como 
jurado  de  acusacion  y  la  Suprema 
Corte  de  Justicia  como  jurado  de 
sentencia. 

El  jurado  de  acusacion  tendra 
por  objeto  declarar,  a  mayoria 
absoluta  de  votos,  si  el  acusado  es 
6  no  culpable.  Si  la  declaracion 
fuere  absolutoria,  el  funcionario 
continuara  en  el  ejercicio  de  su 
encargo.  Si  fuere  condenatoria, 
quedara  inmediatamente  separado 
de  dicho  encargo,  y  sera  puesto  a 
disposicion  de  la  Suprema  Corte 
de  Justicia.  Esta,  en  tribunal 
pleno  y  erigida  en  jurado  de  sen- 
tencia, con  audiencia  del  reo,  del 
fiscal  y  del  acusador,  si  lo  hubiere, 
procedera  a  aplicar,  a  mayoria 
absoluta  de  votos,  la  pena  que  la 
ley  designed) 


meanors,  or  omissions  of  which 
they  may  be  guilty  in  the  perform- 
ance of  their  official  duties.  Gov- 
ernors of  the  States  are  likewise 
responsible  for  the  violation  of  the 
Constitution  and  Federal  laws. 
The  President  of  the  Republic  is 
also  responsible;  but  no  charge 
shall  be  made  against  him,  during 
his  term  of  office,  except  for  treason 
against  the  country,  express  viola- 
tion of  the  Constitution,  attack  on 
the  freedom  of  election,  and  grave 
offenses  of  common  character.01) 

(Art.  104.  If  the  crime  should 
be  a  common  one,  the  Congress, 
acting  as  a  grand  jury,  shall  de- 
clare, by  absolute  majority  of  votes, 
whether  or  not  there  is  sufficient 
ground  to  proceed  against  the  ac- 
cused. In  the  negative  case,  there 
shall  be  no  ground  for  further 
proceeding;  in  the  affirmative,  the 
accused  shall  be,  by  the  said  act, 
deprived  of  his  office,  and  sub- 
jected to  the  action  of  the  ordinary 
tribunals.  a) 

(Art.  105.  The  Congress  shall 
take  cognizance  of  official  crimes, 
as  a  jury  of  accusation,  and  the  su- 
preme court  as  a  court  of  im- 
peachment. 

The  jury  of  accusation  shall 
declare,  by  absolute  majority  of 
votes,  whether  or  not  the  accused 
shall  be  impeached.  If  the  decla- 
ration is  in  the  negative,  the  func- 
tionary shall  continue  in  the  exer- 
cise of  his  office;  if  it  is  in  the 
affirmative,  he  shall  be  immedi- 
ately deprived  of  his  office,  and 
placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  su- 
preme court  of  justice.  The  lat- 
ter, sitting  as  a  court  of  impeach- 
ment, shall,  in  the  presence  of  the 
accused  party,  and  of  the  accuser, 
if  there  is  one,  and  of  the  attorney - 
general,  render  by  absolute  major- 
ity of  votes,  the  sentence  which  the 
law  may  warrant.  a) 


«  Amended  November  13,  1874.    See  page  82. 
360a— vol  1—06 5 


66 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


Art.  106.  Pronunciada  una  sen- 
tencia  de  responsabilidad  por  deli- 
tos  oficiales,  no  puede  concederse 
al  reo  la  gracia  de  indulto. 

Art.  107.  La  responsabilidad 
por  delitos  y  faltas  oficiales  solo 
podni  exigirse  durante  el  periodo 
en  que  el  funcionario  ejerza  su 
encargo,  y  un  ano  despu^s. 

Art.  108.  En  demandas  del 
orden  civil  no  hay  fueros  ni  in- 
munidad  para  ningun  funcionario 
publico. 

TfTTJLO  V. 

DE  LOS  ESTADOS  DE  LA 
FEDERACION. 

(Art.  109.  Los  Estados  adopta- 
ran,  para  su  regimen  interior,  la 
forma  de  gobierno  republicano, 
representative,  popular. a) 

Art.  110.  Los  Estados  pueden 
arreglar  entre  si,  por  convenios 
amistosos,  sus  respectivos  limites; 
pero  no  se  llevaran  a  efecto  esos 
arreglos  sin  la  aprobacion  del  Con- 
greso  de  la  Union. 

Art.  111.  Los  Estados  no  pue- 
den en  ningun  caso: 

I.  Celebrar  alianza,  tratado  6 
coalicion  con  otro  Estado  ni  con 
potencias  extranjeras.  Excep- 
tua«e  la  coalicion  que  pueden 
celebrar  los  Estados  fronterizos 
para  la  guerra  ofensiva  6  defen- 
siva  contra  los  barbaros. 

II.  Expedir  patentes  de  corso 
ni  de  represalias. 

(III.  Acunar  moneda,  emitir 
papel  moneda  ni  papel  sellado.6) 

Art.  112.  Tampoco  pueden,  sin 
consentimiento  del  Congreso  de  la 
Union: 

I.  Establecer  derechos  de  tone- 
laje  ni  otro  alguno  de  puerto,  ni 
imponer  contribuciones  o  derechos 
sobre  importaciones  6  exporta- 
ciones. 

II.  Tener  en  ningun  tiempo 
tropa  permanente  ni  buques  de 
guerra. 


Art.  106.  In  cases  of  impeach- 
ment no  pardon  can  be  granted  to 
the  offender. 

Art.  107.  The  responsibilitj^ 
for  official  crimes  and  misdemean- 
ors can  only  be  enforced  during 
the  period  in  which  the  function- 
ary remains  in  office,  and  one  year 
thereafter. 

Art.  108.  In  civil  cases  no  privi- 
lege or  immunity  in  favor  of  any 
public  functionary  shall  be  recog- 
nized. 

TITLE  V. 

STATES  OF  THE  FEDERATION. 


(Art.  109.  The  States  shall 
adopt  for  their  internal  regime  the 
popular,  representative,  republi- 
can form  of  government.0) 

Art.  110.  The  States  shall  have 
the  power  to  fix  among  themselves, 
by  friendly  agreements,  their  re- 
spective boundaries;  but  those 
agreements  shall  not  be  carried 
into  effect  without  the  approval  of 
the  Congress  of  the  Union. 

Art.  111.  The  States  can  not  in 
any  case: 

I.  Enter  into  alliances,  treaties, 
or  coalitions  with  another  State,  or 
with  foreign  powers.  Coalitions 
between  frontier  States  for  offen- 
sive or  defensive  war  against  sav- 
age Indians  are  excepted. 

II.  Grant  letters  of  marque  or 
reprisal. 

(III.  Coin  money,  issue  paper 
money,  or  create  stamped  paper.6) 

Art.  112.  Neither  can  they, 
without  the  consent  of  the  Con- 
gress of  the  Union: 

I.  Establish  tonnage  duties,  or 
any  port  duty,  or  impose  taxes  or 
duties  upon  imports  or  exports. 


II.  Have  at  any  time  permanent 
troops  or  vessels  of  war. 


«  Amended  May  5,  1878,  and  October  21,  1887.    See  pages  83  and  90, 
b  Amended  May  1, 1896.     See  page  90. 


CONSTITUTION. 


67 


III.  Hacer  la  guerra  por  si  a 
alguna  potencia  extranjera.  Ex- 
ceptuanse  los  casos  de  invasion  6 
de  peligro  tan  inminente  que  no 
admita  demora.  En  estos  casos 
daran  cuenta  inmediatamente  al 
Presidente  de  la  Republica. 

Art.  113.  Cada  Estado  tiene 
obligacion  de  entregar,  sin  de- 
mora, los  criminales  de  otros 
Estados  a  la  autoridad  que  los 
reclame. 

Art.  114.  Los  Gobernadores  de 
los  Estados  estan  obligados  a  pu- 
blicar  y  hacer  cumplir  las  leyes 
federales. 

Art.  115.  En  cada  Estado  de  la 
Federacion  se  dara  entera  fe  y 
credito  a  los  actos  publicos,  regis- 
tros  y  procedimientos  judiciales 
de  todos  los  otros.  El  Congreso 
puede,  por  medio  de  leyes  genera- 
tes, prescribir  la  manera  de  pro 
bar  dichos  actos,  registros  y  proce- 
dimientos y  el  efecto  de  ellos. 

Art.  116.  Los  Poderes  de  la 
Union  tienen  el  deber  de  proteger 
a  los  Estados  contra  toda  invasion 
6  violencia  exterior.  En  caso  de 
sublevacion  6  trastorno  interior  les 
prestaran  igual  proteccion,siempre 
que  sean  excitados  por  la  Legisla- 
tura  del  Estado  6  por  su  Ejecutivo, 
si  aquella  no  estuviera  reunida. 


TITUXO  VI. 
PREVENCIONES  GENERALES. 

Art.  117.  Las  facultades  que  no 
esten  expresamente  concedidas  por 
esta  Constitution  a  los  funciona- 
rios  federales,  se  entienden  reser- 
vadas  a  los  Estados. 

Art.  118.  Ningun  individuo 
puede  desempenar  a  la  vez  dos 
cargos  de  la  Union  de  eleccion 
popular;  pero  el  nombrado  puede 
elegir  entre  ambos  el  que  quiera 
desempenar. 

Art.  119.  Ningun  pago  podra 
hacerse  que  no  este  comprendido 
en  el  presupuesto  6  determinado 
por  ley  posterior. 


III.  Make  war  by  itself  on  any 
foreign  power,  except  in  cases  of 
invasion  or  of  such  imminent  peril 
as  to  admit  of  no  delay.  In  these 
cases  the  State  shall  give  notice 
immediately  to  the  President  of 
the  Republic. 

Art.  113.  Each  State  is  bound 
to  deliver  without  delay  to  the  au- 
thority which  may  claim  them,  the 
fugitives  from  justice  of  other 
States. 

Art.  114.  The  governors  of  the 
States  are  bound  to  publish  and 
enforce  the  Federal  laws. 

Art.  115.  In  each  State  of  the 
Federation  entire  faith  and  credit 
shall  be  given  to  the  public  acts, 
records,  and  judicial  proceedings 
of  all  the  other  States.  The  Con- 
gress may,  by  means  of  general 
laws,  prescribe  the  manner  of 
proving  said  acts,  records,  and 
proceedings,  and  the  effect  thereof. 

Art.  116.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment is  bound  to  protect  the 
States  against  all  invasion  or  ex- 
ternal violence.  In  case  of  insur- 
rection or  internal  disturbance  it 
shall  give  them  the  .same  protec- 
tion, provided  that  the  legislature 
of  the  State,  or  the  Executive,  if 
the  legislature  is  not  in  session, 
shall  request  it. 

TITLE  VI. 

GENERAL  PROVISIONS. 

Art.  117.  The  powers  which 
are  not  expressly  granted  by  this 
Constitution  to  the  Federal  au- 
thorities are  understood  to  be  re- 
served to  the  States. 

Art.  118.  No  person  shall  hold 
at  the  same  time  two  Federal  elec- 
tive offices;  but  if  elected  to  two, 
he  may  choose  the  one  which  he 
may  prefer. 

Art.  119.  No  payment  shall  be 
made  which  is  not  included  in  the 
budget  or  authorized  by  a  law 
subsequent  to  the  same. 


68 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


Art.  120.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Repiiblica,  los  individuos  de  la 
Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia,  los 
Diputados  y  demas  funcionarios 
piiblicos  de  la  Federacion,  de  nom- 
bramiento  popular,  recibiran  una 
compensacion  por  sus  servicios, 
que  sera  determinada  por  la  ley  y 
pagada  por  el  tesoro  federal.  Esta 
compensacion  no  es  renunciable,  y 
la  ley  que  la  auraente  6  disminuya 
no  podra  tener  efecto  durante  el 
penodo  en  que  un  funcionario 
ejerce  el  cargo. 

(Art.  121.  Todo  funcionario  pu- 
blico, sin  excepcion  alguna,  antes 
de  tomar  posesion  de  su  encargo 
prestara  j  uramento  de  guardar  esta 
Constitucion  y  las  leyes  que  de 
ella  emanen.a) 

Art.  122.  En  tiempo  de  paz 
ninguna  autoridad  militar  puede 
ejercer  mas  f  unciones  que  las  que 
tengan  exacta  conexion  con  la  dis- 
ciplina  militar.  Solamente  habra 
comandancias  militares  fijas  y  per- 
manentes  en  los  castillos,  fortale- 
zas  y  almacenes  que  dependan  in- 
mediatamente  del  Gobierno  de  la 
Union,  6  en  los  campamentos,  cuar- 
teles  6  depositos  que,  fuera  de  las 
poblaciones,  estableciere  para  la 
estacion  de  las  tropas. 

Art.  123.  Corresponde  exclusi- 
vamente  a  los  Poderes  federales 
ejercer,  en  materias  de  culto  re- 
ligioso  y  disciplina  externa,  la  in- 
tervencion  que  designen  las  leyes. 

(Art.  124.  Para  el  dia  primero 
de  Junio  de  mil  ochocientos  cin- 
cuenta  y  ocho  quedaran  abolidas 
las  alcabalas  y  aduanas  interiores 
en  toda  la  Republica.6) 

Art.  125.  Estaran  bajo  la  in- 
mediata  inspeccion  de  los  Poderes 
federales,  los  fuertes,  cuarteles, 
almacenes  de  depositos  y  demas 
edificios  necesarios  al  Gobierno  de 
la  Union. 

Art.  126.  Esta  Constitucion,  las 
leyes  del  Congreso  de  la  Union 


Art.  120.  The  President  of  the 
Republic,  the  justices  of  the  su- 
preme court,  the  members  of  Con- 
gress, and  all  other  public  officers 
of  the  Federation,  who  are  chosen 
by  popular  election,  shall  receive 
a  compensation  for  their  services, 
which  shall  be  determined  by  law 
and  paid  by  the  Federal  treasury. 
This  compensation  can  not  be 
waived,  and  any  law  which  may  in- 
crease or  decrease  it  shall  not  have 
effect  during  the  period  for  which 
a  functionary  holds  the  office. 

(Art.  121.  Every  public  officer, 
without  any  exception,  before  en- 
tering on  the  discharge  of  his  du- 
ties, shall  take  an  oath  to  maintain 
this  Constitution  and  the  laws 
emanating  from  it.a) 

Art.  122.  In  time  of  peace  no 
military  authority  shall  exercise 
other  functions  than  those  having 
close  connection  with  military  dis- 
cipline. No  fixed  and  permanent 
military  offices  shall  be  established 
except  in  castles,  fortresses,  and 
arsenals  depending  immediate^ 
upon  the  government  of  the 
Union,  or  in  camps,  barracks,  or 
depots  established  outside  of  towns 
for  stationing  troops. 

Art.  123.  The  Federal  authori- 
ties shall  have  exclusive  power  to 
exercise,  in  matters  of  religious 
worship  and  external  ecclesiastic 
discipline,  the  intervention  which 
the  laws  may  authorize. 

(Art.  124.  On  and  after  the  first 
of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and 
fifty-eight,  the  alcabala  taxes,  and 
the  interior  custom-houses  shall  be 
abolished  in  the  whole  Republic. b) 

Art.  125.  The  forts,  barracks, 
arsenals,  and  all  other  edifices  nec- 
essary to  the  government  of  the 
Union  shall  be  Under  the  immedi- 
ate inspection  of  the  Federal  au- 
thorities. 

Art.  126.  This  Constitution,  the 
laws  of  the  Congress  of  the  Union 


«  Amended  September  25,  1873.     See  page  71. 

&  Amended  May  17,  1882,  November  25,  1884,  November  22,  1886,  and  May  1,  1896. 
See  pages  83,  88,  89,  and  96. 


CONSTITUTION. 


69 


que  emanen  de  ella  y  todos  los 
tfatados  hechos  6  que  se  hicieren 
por  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica 
con  aprobacion  del  Congreso, 
seran  la  ley  suprema  de  toda  la 
Union.  Los  jueces  decada  Estado 
se  arreglaran  a  dicha  Constitucion, 
leyes  y  tratados,  a  pesar  de  las 
disposiciones  en  contrario  que 
pueda  haber  en  las  Constituciones 
6  leyes  de  los  Estados. 

TITUEO  VII. 


DE  LA  REFORMA  DE  LA  CONSTI- 
TUCION. 

Art.  127.  La  presente  Consti- 
tucion puede  ser  adicionada  6  re- 
formada.  Para  que  las  adiciones 
6  reformas  lleguen  a  ser  parte  de 
la  Constitucion,  se  requiere  que  el 
Congreso  de  la  Union,  por  el  voto 
de  las  dos  terceras  partes  de  sus 
individuos  presentes,  acuerde  las 
reformas  6  adiciones,  y  que  estas 
sean  aprobados  por  la  mayoria  de 
las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados. 
El  Congreso  de  la  Union  hara  el 
computo  de  los  votos  de  las  Legis- 
laturas y  la  declaracion  de  haber 
sido  aprobadas  las  adiciones  6  re- 
formas. 

tItulo  vm. 

DE    LA    INVIOLABILIDAD    DE    LA 
CONSTITUCION. 

Art.  128.  Esta  Constitucion  no 
perdera  su  fuerza  y  vigor,  aun 
cuando  por  alguna  rebelion  se  in- 
terrumpa  su  observancia.  En  caso 
de  que  por  un  trastorno  publico  se 
establezca  un  gobierno  contrario  a 
los  principios  que  ella  sanciona, 
tan  luego  como  el  pueblo  recobre 
su  libertad  se  restablecera  su  obser- 
vancia, y  con  arreglo  a  ella  y  a,  las 
leyes  que  en  su  virtud  se  hubiesen 
expedido,  seran  juzgados,  asi  los 
que  hubieren  figurado  en  el  go- 
bierno emanado  de  la  rebelion, 
como  los  que  hubieren  cooperado 
a  esta. 


emanating  therefrom,  and  all  the 
treaties  made  or  to  be  made  b}*  the 
President  of  the  Republic,  with 
the  approval  of  Congress,  shall  be 
the  supreme  law  of  the  whole 
Union.  The  judges  of  each  State 
shall  be  guided  by  said  Constitu- 
tion, laws,  and  treaties,  any  pro- 
vision to  the  contrary  in  the  con- 
stitutions or  laws  of  the  States 
notwithstanding. 

TITLE  VII. 

AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  CONSTITU- 
TION. 

Art.  127.  The  present  Consti- 
tution may  be  amended.  No 
amendment  shall  become  part  of 
the  Constitution,  if  not  agreed 
upon  by  the  Congress  of  the 
Union,  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of 
the  members  present,  and  approved 
by  a  majority'  of  the  legislatures 
of  the  States.  The  Congress  of 
the  Union  shall  count  the  votes 
of  the  legislatures  and  make  the 
declaration  that  the  amendments 
have  been  adopted. 


TITLE  VIII. 

INVIOLABILITY  OF   THE    CONSTI- 
TUTION. 

Art.  128.  This  Constitution  shall 
not  lose  its  force  and  vigor  even  if 
its  observance  is  interrupted  by  a 
rebellion.  In  case  that  by  any  pub- 
lic disturbance  a  government  con- 
trary to  the  principles  which  it 
sanctions  is  established,  its  efficien- 
cy shall  be  restored  as  soon  as  the 
people  regain  their  liberty,  and 
those  who  shall  have  figured  in 
the  government  emanating  from 
the  rebellion,  or  have  cooperated 
with  it,  shall  be  tried  in  accordance 
with  its  provisions,  and  the  pro- 
visions of  the  laws  emanating 
from  it. 


70 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


ARTfCULO  TRANSITORIO. 

Esta  Constitution  se  publicara 
desde  luego  y  sera  jurada  con  la 
mayor  solemn idad  en  toda  la  Re- 
publica; pero  con  exception  de  las 
aisposiciones  relativas  a  las  elec- 
ciones  de  los  Supremos  Poderes 
federates  y  de  los  Estados,  no 
comenzara  a  regir  hasta  el  dia  die- 
ciseis  de  Septiembre  proximo  veni- 
dero,   en   que  debe   instalarse  el 

B rimer  Congreso  constitucional. 
>esde  entonces  el  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  y  la  Suprema  Corte  de 
Justicia,  que  deben  continuar  en 
ejercicio  hasta  que  tomen  posesion 
los  individuos  electos  constitu- 
cionalmente,  se  arreglaran,  en  el 
desempeno  de  sus  obligaciones  y 
facultades,  a  los  preceptos  de  la 
Constitution. 

Dada  en  el  salon  de  sesiones  del 
Congreso,  en  Mexico,  a  cinco  de 
Febrero  de  mil  ochocientos  cin- 
cuenta  y  siete,  trigesimo-septimo 
de  ia  independencia. 


TRANSIENT    PROVISION. 

The  present  Constitution  shall 
be  published  at  once  and  sworn 
to  with  the  greatest  solemnity 
throughout  the  whole  Republic; 
but  its  provisions,  except  those 
relating  to  the  election  of  the 
supreme  powers,  Federal  and 
State,  shall  not  go  into  effect  until 
the  sixteenth  of  September  next, 
when  the  First  Congress,  under 
the  Constitution,  shall  meet.  On 
and  after  that  date  the  President 
of  the  Republic  and  the  justices 
of  the  supreme  court,  who  shall 
continue  in  the  exercise  of  their 
functions  until  their  successors 
are  constitutionally  elected  and 
enter  into  the  discharge  of  their 
duties,  shall  act  in  strict  accord- 
ance with  the  provisions  of  this 
Constitution. 

Given  at  the  Hall  of  sessions  of 
Congress  in  the  City  of  Mexico 
on  the  fifth  of  February,  eighteen 
hundred  and  fifty-seven,  the  thirty- 
seventh  of  the  Independence. 


AMENDMENTS  TO  CONSTITUTION. 

I.  I. 


LEY  DE  SEPTIEMBKE  25  DE   1873. 

EI  Congreso  de  los  Estados 
Unidos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio 
de  la  facultad  que  le  concede  el 
articulo  127  de  la  Constitution 
politica  promulgada  el  doce  de 
Febrero  de  mil  ochocientos  tin- 
cue  nta  y  siete,  y  previa  la  aproba- 
cion  de  la  maj^ona  de  las  Legisla- 
turas  de  la  Republica,  declara: 

Son  adiciones  y  reformas  a  la 
misma  Constitution: 

ArtIculo  1°.  El  Estado  y  la 
Iglesia  son  independientes  entre 
si.  El  Congreso  no  puede  dictar 
leyes  estableciendo  6  prohibiendo 
religion  alguna. 


LAW  OF  SEPTEMBEK  25,   1873. 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States,  in  exercise  of  the 
power  vested  in  it  by  article  127 
of  the  Political  Constitution  pro- 
mulgated on  February  twelfth, 
eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-seven, 
and  having  obtained  the  approval 
of  a  majority  of  the  State  legisla- 
tures, does  hereby  decree: 

That  the  Constitution  of  the 
Republic  be  amended  by  adding 
to  it  the  following: 

Article  1.  The  church  and  the 
state  are  independent  of  each 
other.  Congress  shall  not  enact 
laws  establishing  or  forbidding 
anj-  religion. 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


71 


Art.  2°.  El  matrimonio  es  un 
contrato  civil.  Este  y  los  demas 
actos  del  estado  civil  de  las  per- 
sonas,  son  de  la  exclusiva  com- 
petencia  de  los  funcionarios  y 
autoridades  del  orden  civil,  en  los 
terminos  prevenidos  por  las  leyes, 
y  tendran  la  fuerza  y  validez  que 
las  mismas  les  atribuyan. 

Art.  3°.  Ninguna  institucion 
religiosa  puede  adquirir  bienes 
raices,  ni  capitales  impuestos  sobre 
estos,  con  la  sola  excepcion  esta- 
blecida  en  el  articulo  27  de  la 
Constitucion. 

Art.  4°.  La  simple  promesa  de 
decir  verdad  y  de  cumplir  las  obli- 
gacionesque  secontraen,  sustituira 
al  juramento  religioso  con  sus 
efectos  y  penas. 

Art.  5°.  Nadie  puede  ser  obli- 
gado  a  prestar  trabajos  personales 
sin  la  justa  retribucion  y  sin  su 
pleno  consentimiento.  El  Estado 
no  puede  permitir  que  se  lleve  a 
efecto  ningun  contrato,  pacto  6 
convenio  que  tenga  por  objeto  el 
menoscabo,  la  perdida  6  el  irrevo- 
cable sacrificio  de  la  libertad  del 
hombre ,  y  a  sea  por  causa  de  trabajo, 
de  educacion  6  de  voto  religioso. 
La  ley,  en  consecuencia,  no  recono- 
ce  ordenes  monasticas,  ni  puede 
permitir  su  establecimiento,  cual- 
quiera  que  sea  la  denominacion  ti 
objeto  con  que  pretendan  erigirse. 
Tampoco  puede  admitirse  con- 
venio en  que  el  hombre  pacte  su 
proscription  6  destierro. 

Transitorio.  Las  anteriores  adi- 
ciones  y  reformas  a  la  Constitu- 
cion seran  publicadas  desde  luego 
con  la  mayor  solemnidad  en  toda 
la  Republica. 

Palacio  del  Congresode  la  Union. 
Mexico,  Septiembre  veinticinco  de 
mil  ochocientos  setenta  y  tres. 

II. 

LEY  DE  NOVTEMBRE  13  DE   1874. 

El  Congreso  de  la  Union,  en 
ejercicio  de  la  facultad  que  le  con- 


Art.  2.  Marriage  is  a  civil  con- 
tract. Marriage  and  all  other  acts 
relating  to  the  civil  state  of  per- 
sons shall  fall  exclusively  within 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  civil  au- 
thorities in  the  manner  and  form 
provided  by  law,  and  they  shall 
have  the  force  and  validity  given 
to  them  by  said  laws. 

Art.  3.  No  religious  institu- 
tions can  acquire  real  estate  or 
capital  secured  by  mortgage  on 
the  same,  except  only  in  the  case 
set  forth  in  article  27  of  the  Con- 
stitution. 

Art.  4.  A  simple  promise  to  tell 
the  truth  and  to  comply  with  obli- 
gations entered  into,  shall  take  the 
place  of  the  religious  oath  with  all 
its  effects  and  penalties. 

Art.  5.  No  one  shall  be  com- 
pelled to  do  personal  work  with- 
out just  compensation  and  without 
his  full  consent.  The  State  shall 
not  permit  any  contract,  covenant, 
or  agreement  to  be  carried  out, 
having  for  its  object  the  abridg- 
ment, loss,  or  irrevocable  sacrifice 
of  the  liberty  of  man,  whether 
by  reason  of  labor,  education,  or 
religious  vows.  The  law,  there- 
fore, does  not  recognize  monastic 
orders,  nor  can  it  allow  them  to 
be  established,  whatever  the  de- 
nomination or  object  may  be  with 
which  they  may  attempt  to  come 
into  existence.  Nor  shall  any  com- 
pact be  tolerated  in  which  man 
agrees  to  his  own  proscription  or 
exile. 

Transient  Article.  The  fore- 
going amendments  to  the  Constitu- 
tion shall  be  published  at  once  with 
the  greatest  solemnity  throughout 
the  Republic. 

Palace  of  Congress,  Mexico, 
September  twenty-fifth,  eighteen 
hundred  and  seventy -three. 

II. 

LAW  OF  NOVEMBER  13,  1874. 

The  Congress  of  the  Union,  in 
exercise  of  the  power  vested  in  it  by 


72 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


cede  el  articulo  127  de  la  Consti- 
tucion  federal,  declara  estar  apro- 
badas  por  la  mayona  de  las  Legis- 
laturas  de  los  Estados  y  ser  parte 
de  la  misma  Constitucion,  las  re- 
formas  que  a  continuacion  se 
expresan.  Estas  reformas  comen- 
zaran  a  regir  el  diecis&s  de  Sep- 
tiembre  del  ano  proximo  de  mil 
ochocientos  setenta  y  cinco. 

TITULO  III. 

secci6n  1. 

Del  Poder  Legislatwo. 

Art.  51.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
de  la  Nacion  se  deposita  en  un 
Congreso  general,  que  se  dividira 
en  dos  Camaras,  una  de  Diputados 
y  otra  de  Senadores. 

Parrafo  I. 

De  la  elecci6n  e  instalacidn  del  Congreso. 

Art.  52.  La  Camara  de  Diputa- 
dos se  compondra  de  representan- 
(  tes  de  la  Nacion,  electos  en  su 
totalidad  cada  dos  anos,  por  los 
ciudadanos  mexicanos. 

Art.  57.  Los  cargos  de  Diputado 
y  de  Senador  son  incompatibles  con 
cualquiera  comision  6  empleo  de  la 
Union  por  el  que  se  disf  rute  sueldo. 

Art.  58.  Los  Diputados  y  Sena- 
dores propietarios,  desde  el  dia  de 
su  eleccion  hasta  el  dia  en  que 
concluya  su  encargo,  no  pueden 
adoptar  ninguna  comision  ni  em- 
pleo de  nombramiento  del  Ejecu- 
tivo  federal,  por  el  cual  se  disf  rute 
sueldo,  sin  previa  licencia  de  su 
respectiva  Camara.  El  mismo  re- 
quisite es  necesario  para  los  Dipu- 
tados y  Senadores  suplentes  en 
ejercicio. 

A.  El  Senado  se  compondra  de 
dos  Senadores  por  cada  Estado  y 
dos  por  el  Distrito  Federal.  La 
eleccion  de  Senadores  sera  indi- 
recta  en  primer  grado.     La  Legis- 


article  127  of  the  Federal  Consti- 
tution, declares  the  following 
amendments  to  have  been  approved 
by  a  majority  of  the  State  legisla- 
tures and  be  a  part  of  the  said 
constitution.  They  shall  go  into 
effect  on  September  sixteenth, 
eighteen  hundred  and  seventy -five. 


TITLE  III. 

SECTION   I. 

-Legislative  power. 

Art.  51.  The  legislative  power 
of  the  nation  is  vested  in  a  gen- 
eral Congress  which  shall  consist 
of  a  Chamber  of  Deputies  and  a 
Senate. 

Paragraph  I. 

Election  and  meeting  of  Congress. 

Art.  52.  The  Chamber  of  Depu- 
ties shall  consist  of  representatives 
of  the  nation  elected  b}^  the  Mexi- 
can citizens  every  two  years. 

Art.  57.  The  positions  of  Dep- 
uty and  senator  are  incompatible 
with  any  other  salaried  commission 
or  employment  by  the  Union. 

Art.  58.  Deputies  and  senators 
are  disqualified,  from  the  day  of 
their  election  until  the  day  on 
which  their  term  expires,  from 
accepting  from  the  Federal  Exec- 
utive without  previous  permission 
of  their  respective  Chamber  any 
salaried  position.  The  same  pro- 
vision is  applicable  to  substitutes, 
when  in  active  service. 


A.  The  Senate  shall  consist  of 
two  senators  for  each  State  and 
two  for  the  Federal  District.  The 
election  of  senators  shall  be  indi- 
rect in  the  first  degree.     The  leg- 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


73 


latura  de  cada  Estado  declarara 
electo  al  que  hubiere  obtenido  la 
mayoria  absoluta  de  los  votos  emi- 
tidos,  6  elegira  entre  los  que  hu- 
bieren  obtenido  mayoria  relativa, 
en  los  terminos  que  disponga  la 
ley  electoral.  Por  cada  Senador 
propietario  se  elegira  un  suplente. 

B.  El  Senado  se  renovara  por 
mitad  cada  dos  anos.  Los  Sena- 
dores  nombrados  en  segundo  lugar 
cesaran  al  fin  del  primer  bienio,  y 
en  lo  sucesivo  los  mas  antiguos. 


C.  Para  ser  Senador  se  requie- 
ren  las  mismas  calidades  que  para 
ser  Diputado,  excepto  lade  la  edad, 
que  sera  la  de  treinta  anos  cumpli- 
dos  el  dia  de  la  apertura  de  las 
sesiones. 

Art.  59.  Los  Diputados  y  Se- 
nadores  son  inviolables  por  sus 
opiniones  manifestadas  en  el  de- 
sempeno  de  sus  encargos,  y  jamas 
podran  ser  reconvenidos  por  ellas. 

Art.  60.  Cada  Camara  califica 
las  elecciones  de  sus  miembros  y 
resuelve  las  dudas  que  hubiere 
sobre  ellas. 

Art.  61.  Las  Camaras  no  pue- 
den  abrir  sus  sesiones  ni  ejercer 
su  encargo  sin  la  concurrencia,  en 
la  de  Senadores,  de  las  dos  terceras 
partes,  y  en  la  de  Diputados  de 
mas  de  la  mitad  del  nfimero  total 
de  sus  miembros;  pero  los  pre- 
sentes  de  una  y  otra  deberan  re- 
unirse  el  dia  senalado  por  la  ley  y 
compeler  a  los  ausentes  bajo  las 
penas  que  la  misma  ley  designe. 

Art.  62.  El  Congreso  tendra 
cada  ano  dos  periodos  de  sesiones 
ordinarias:  el  primero,  prorroga- 
ble  hasta  por  treinta  dias  utiles, 
comenzara  el  dia  dieciseis  de  Sep- 
tiembre  y  terminara  el  dia  quince 
de  Diciembre;  y  el  segundo,  pro- 


islature  of  each  State  shall  declare 
elected  the  one  who  has  obtained 
absolute  majority  of  the  votes 
cast,  or  shall  choose  in  the  manner 
provided  by  the  electoral  law  from 
among  those  who  obtained  relative 
majority.  Each  senator  shall  have 
a  substitute,  to  be  elected  in  the 
same  manner. 

B.  The  Senate  shall  be  renewed 
by  half  every  two  years.  Sena- 
tors occupying  the  second  place  in 
the  representation  of  each  State, 
shall  vacate  their  seats  at  the  end 
of  the  first  two  years.  After  the 
second  }Tear  the  withdrawal  shall 
be  according  to  seniority. 

C.  The  qualifications  necessary 
to  be  a  senator  are  the  same  as 
those  necessary  to  be  a  Deputy, 
except  as  to  the  age,  which  in  the 
case  of  a  senator  shall  be  at  least 
thirty  years  on  the  day  of  the 
opening  of  the  session. 

Art.  59.  Deputies  and  senators 
are  inviolable  for  the  opinions  ex- 
pressed by  them  in  the  fulfillment 
of  their  duties  and  shall  never  be 
called  to  account  for  them. 

Art.  60.  Each  Chamber  shall  be 
the  judge  of  the  election  of  its 
members,  and  shall  decide  all 
questions  arising  therefrom. 

Art.  61.  The  Chambers  shall  not 
begin  their  sessions  or  exercise 
their  functions  without  a  quorum, 
in  the  Senate  of  two -thirds,  and  in 
the  chamber  of  Deputies  of  more 
than  one-half  of  the  total  number 
of  its  members;  but  the  members 
present  of  either  Chamber  shall 
meet  on  the  appointed  day  and 
compel  through  the  proper  penal- 
ties the  attendance  of  the  absen- 
tees. 

Art.  62.  Congress  shall  hold 
two  ordinary  sessions  each  year; 
the  first  one  shall  begin  on  the  six- 
teenth of  September  and  end  on 
the  fifteenth  of  December;  but  this 
period  may  be  extended  for  thirty 
days.  The  second  shall  begin  on  the 


74 


THE   UNITED   MEXICAN   STATES. 


rrogable  hasta  por  quince  dias 
utiles,  comenzara  el  primero  de 
Abril  y  terminara  el  ultimo  dia  del 
mes  de  Mayo. 

Art.  64.  Toda  resolucion  del 
Congreso  tendra  el  caracter  de  ley 
6  de  decreto.  Las  leyes  y  decre- 
tos  se  comunicaran  al  Ejecutivo 
firmados  por  los  Presidentes  de 
ambas  Camaras  y  por  un  Secreta- 
rio  de  cada  una  de  ellas,  y  se  pro- 
mulgaran  en  esta  forma:  u  El  Con- 
greso de  los  Estados  Unidos  Me- 
xicanos,  decreta:"  {texto  de  la  ley 
6  decreto). 

Parrafo  II. 

De  la  initiative  y  formation  de  las  leyes. 

Art.  65.  El  derecho  de  iniciar 
leyes  6  decretos  compete: 

I.  Al  Presidente  de  la  Union. 

II.  A  los  Diputados  y  Senadores 
al  Congreso  general. 

III.  A  las  Legislaturas  de  los 
Estados. 

Art.  66.  Las  iniciativas  presen- 
tadas  por  el  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica,  por  las  Legislaturas  de 
los  Estados  6  por  las  diputaciones 
de  los  mismos,  pasaran  desde  luego 
a  comision.  Las  que  presentaren 
los  Diputados  6  Senadores  se  suje- 
taran  a  los  tramites  que  designe  el 
Reglamento  de  debates. 

Art.  67.  Todo  pro}^ecto  de  ley 
6  de  decreto  que  f  uere  desechado 
en  la  Camara  de  su  origen,  antes  de 
pasar  a  la  revisora,  no  podra  volver 
a  presentarse  en  las  sesiones  del 
ano. 

Art.  69.  El  dia  penultimo  del 
primer  periodo  de  sesiones  presen- 
tara  el  Ejecutivo  a  la  Camara  de 
Diputados  el  proyecto  de  presu- 
puestos  del  ano  proximo  siguiente 
y  las  cuentas  del  anterior,  fistas 
y  aquel  pasaran  a  una  comision  de 
cinco  representantes,  nombrada  en 
el  mismo  dia,  la  cual  tendra  obli- 
gacion  de  examinar  dichos  docu- 
mentos  y  presentar  dictamen  sobre 
el  los  en  la  segunda  sesion  del  se- 
gundo  periodo. 


first  of  April  and  end  on  the  last 
day  of  May,  but  may  be  extended 
for  fifteen  days. 

Art.  64.  The  action  of  Congress 
shall  be  in  the  form  of  either  laws 
or  resolutions,  which  shall  be  com- 
municated to  the  Executive  after 
having  been  signed  by  the  presi- 
dents of  both  Chambers  and  by  one 
of  the  secretaries  of  each.  When 
promulgated,  the  enacting  clause 
shall  be:  "The  Congress  of  the 
United  Mexican  States  decrees," 
etc. 

Paragraph  II. 

Origin  and  enactment  of  laws. 

Art.  65.  The  right  to  originate 
legislation  belongs: 

1.  To  the  President  of  the 
Union. 

2.  To  the  Deputies  and  senators 
in  the  general  Congress. 

3.  To  the  State  legislatures. 

Art.  GQ.  Bills  or  resolutions  in- 
introduced  by  the  President  of  the 
Republic,  by  the  State  legislatures 
or  delegations  thereof,  shall  be  at 
once  referred  to  a  committee. 
Those  introduced  by  Deputies  or 
senators  shall  be  subject  to  the  re- 
quirements of  the  Rules  of  debate. 

Art.  67.  No  bill  or  resolution 
rejected  in  the  Chamber  of  origin 
before  passing  to  the  other  Cham- 
ber shall  be  reintroduced  during 
the  sessions  of  that  year. 

Art.  69.  The  Executive  shall 
transmit  to  the  Chamber  of  Depu- 
ties, on  the  eve  of  the  last  day  of 
the  session,  the  accounts  of  the 
year  and  the  Budget  for  the  next. 
They  shall  be  referred  to  a  special 
committee,  which  shall  be  ap- 
pointed that  day,  consisting  of  five 
members,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
examine  both  documents  and  re- 
port thereon  at  the  second  meeting 
of  the  second  period. 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


75 


Art.  70.  La  formacion  de  las 
leyes  y  de  los  decretos  puede 
comenzar  indistintamente  en  cual- 
quiera  de  las  dos  Camaras,  con 
excepcion  de  los  proyectos  que 
versaren  sobre  emprestitos,  con- 
tribuciones  e  impuestos,  6  sobre 
reclutamiento  de  tropas,  todos  los 
cuales  deberan  discutirse  primero 
en  la  Camara  de  Diputados. 

Art.  71.  Todo  proyecto  de  ley 
6  de  decreto  cuya  resolution  no 
sea  exclusiva  de  una  de  las  Cama- 
ras, se  discutira  sucesivamente  en 
ambas,  observandose  el  Regla- 
mento  de  debates  sobre  la  forma, 
'intervalos  y  modo  de  proceder  en 
las  discusiones  y  votaciones. 

A.  Aprobado  un  proyecto  en  la 
Camara  de  su  origen,  pasara  para 
su  discusion  a  la  otra  Camara.  Si 
esta  lo  aprobare,  se  remitira  al 
Ejecutivo,  quien,  si  no  tuviere 
observaciones  que  hacer,  lo  publi- 
cara  inmediatamente. 

B.  Se  reputara  aprobado  por  el 
Poder  Ejecutivo  todo  proyecto  no 
devuelto  con  observaciones  a  la 
Camara  de  su  origen  dentro  de 
diez  dias  utiles,  a  no  ser  que  co- 
rriendo  este  termino  hubiere  el 
Congreso  cerrado  6  suspendido  sus 
sesiones,  en  cuyo  caso  la  devolu- 
tion debera  hacerse  el  primer  dia 
fitil  en  que  estuviere  reunido. 

C.  El  proyecto  de  ley  6  de  de- 
creto desechado  en  todo  6  en  parte 
por  el  Ejecutivo,  debera  ser  de- 
vuelto con  sus  observaciones  a  la 
Camara  de  su  origen.  Debera  ser 
discutido  de  nuevo  por  esta,  y  si 
fuere  confirmado  por  mayoria 
absoluta  de  votos,  pasara  otra  vez 
a  la  Camara  revisora.  Si  por  esta 
fuere  sancionado  con  la  mi  .ma 
mayoria,  el  pro}ecto  es  ley  6  de- 
creto y  volvera  al  Ejecutivo  para 
su  promulgation.  Las  votaciones 
de  ley  6  de  decreto  seran  nomi- 
nales. 


Art.  70.  Bills  and  resolutions 
may  be  introduced  indiscrimi- 
nately either  in  the  House  or  in  the 
Senate;  but  those  providing  for 
loans,  taxes,  or  recruiting  of  troops 
shall  be  first  discussed  in  the  Cham- 
ber of  Deputies. 


Art.  71.  Bills  and  resolutions 
requiring  the  action  of  both  Cham- 
bers shall  be  discussed  first  by  one 
and  then  by  the  other,  according  to 
the  Rules,  and  in  the  manner  and 
form  provided  for  this  purpose. 


A.  Bills  and  resolutions  passed 
in  the  Chamber  of  origin  snail  be 
sent  to  the  other  Chamber.  If 
passed  by  the  latter  they  shall  be 
forwarded  to  the  Executive,  which, 
if  having  no  objection  to  them, 
shall  cause  them  to  be  immediately 
published. 

B.  Bills  and  resolutions  not  re- 
turned by  the  Executive  to  the 
Chamber  of  origin  within  ten 
working  days  shall  be  considered 
approved,  unless  during  the  said 
ten  days  Congress  has  adjourned, 
in  which  case  they  shall  be  re- 
turned on  the  first  working  day 
of  the  next  session. 

C.  Bills  and  resolutions  rejected 
wholly  or  in  part  by  the  Executive 
shall  be  returned  with  the  objec- 
tions thereto  to  the  Chamber  of  ori- 
gin. They  shall  be  discussed  anew 
by  the  latter,  and  if  passed  by  abso- 
lute majority  of  votes  shall  be  sent 
to  the  other.  If  approved  by  it, 
also  by  absolute  majority,  the  bill 
or  resolution  becomes  a  law,  and 
shall  be  sent  to  the  Executive  for 
its  promulgation.  In  such  cases 
the  votes  in  both  Chambers  shall 
be  by  yeas  and  nays,  and  the  names 
of  the  persons  voting  for  or  against 
the  bill  shall  be  entered  on  the  jour- 
nal of  each  chamber,  respectively. 


76 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


D.  Si  algfin  proyecto  de  ley  6 
de  decreto  fuere  desechado  en  su 
totalidad  por  la  Camara  de  revi- 
sion, vol  vera  a  la  de  su  origen  con 
las  observaciones  que  aquella  le 
hubiere  hecho.  Si  exaininado  de 
nuevo  fuere  aprobado  por  la  ma- 
yoria  absoluta  de  los  miembros  pre- 
sentes,  volvera  a  la  Camara  que  lo 
desecho,  la  cual  lo  tomara  otra  vez 
en  consideracion,  y  si  lo  aprobase 
por  la  misma  mayoria,  pasarsi  al 
Ejecutivo  para  los  efectos  de  la 
fraccion  A;  pero  si  lo  reprobase 
no  podra  volver  a  presentarse 
hasta  las  sesiones  siguientes. 

E.  Si  un  proyecto  de  ley  6  de 
decreto  fuere  solo  desechado  en 
parte,  6  modificado  6  adicionado 
por  la  Camara  revisora,  la  nueva 
discusion  en  la  Camara  de  su  ori- 
gen versara  unicamente  sobre  lo 
desechado  6  sobre  las  reformas  6 
adiciones,  sin  poderse  alterar  en 
manera  alguna  los  articulos  apro- 
bados.  Si  las  adiciones  6  reformas 
hechas  por  la  Camara  revisora 
fueren  aprobadas  por  la  mayoria 
absoluta  de  los  votos  presentes  en 
la  Camara  de  su  origen,  se  pasara 
todo  el  proyecto  al  Ejecutivo  para 
los  efectos  de  la  fraccion  A.  Pero 
si  las  adiciones  6  reformas  hechas 
por  la  Camara  revisora  fueren  de- 
sechadas  por  la  mayoria  de  votos 
en  la  Camara  de  su  origen,  vol- 
veran  a  aquella  para  que  tome  en 
consideracion  las  razones  de  esta; 
y  si  por  la  mayoria  absoluta  de  los 
votos  presentes  se  desecharen  en 
esta  segunda  revision  dichas  adi- 
ciones o  reformas,  el  proyecto,  en 
lo  que  haya  sido  aprobado  por 
ambas  Camaras,  se  pasara  al  Eje- 
cutivo para  los  efectos  de  la  frac- 
cion A;  mas  si  la  Camara  revisora 
insistiere  por  la  mayoria  absoluta 
de  votos  presentes  en  dichas  adi- 
ciones 6  reformas,  todo  el  proyecto 
no  podra  volver  a  presentarse  sino 
hasta  las  sesiones  siguientes,  ii  no 
ser  que  ambas  Camaras  acuerden, 
por  la  mayoria  absoluta  de  sus 
miembros  presentes,  que  se  expida 


D.  Bills  or  resolutions  totally 
rejected  by  the  Chamberof  revision 
shall  be  returned  with  the  proper 
remarks  to  the  Chamber  of  origin. 
If  examined  anew  and  approved 
by  absolute  majorit}"  of  the  mem- 
bers present,  they  shall  be  returned 
to  the  Chamber  of  revision,  which 
shall  again  consider  them,  and  if 
approved  by  it,  also  by  absolute 
majority,  they  shall  be  sent  to  the 
Executive  for  the  purposes  of 
clause  A;  but  if  rejected  they  shall 
not  be  reintroduced  until  the  next 
Congress. 

E.  Bills  or  resolutions  rejected 
only  in  part  or  amended  by  the 
Chamber  of  revision  shall  be  dis- 
cussed anew  in  the  Chamber  of 
origin,  but  the  discussion  shall  be 
exclusively  confined  to  the  portion 
rejected  or  to  the  amendments, 
without  the  approved  articles 
being  altered  in  any  respect.  If 
the  amendments  made  by  the 
Chamber  of  revision  are  approved 
by  absolute  majority  of  votes  in 
the  Chamber  of  origin,  the  bill  shall 
be  transmitted  to  the  Executive  for 
the  purposes  of  clause  A.  But 
if  the  amendments  made  by  the 
Chamber  of  revision  are  rejected  by 
majority  of  votes  in  the  Chamber 
of  origin,  the}7  shall  be  returned 
to  the  former  in  order  that  the 
reasons  set  forth  by  the  latter  may 
be  taken  into  consideration.  If  in 
this  second  revision  the  said  amend- 
ments are  rejected  by  absolute 
majority  of  the  members  present, 
the  portion  of  the  bill  which  has 
been  approved  by  both  Chambers 
shall  be  sent  to  the  Executive  for 
the  purposes  of  clause  A.  If  the 
Chamberof  revision  insists  by  abso- 
lute majority  of  votes  of  the  mem- 
bers present  upon  the  amend- 
ments, no  action  shall  be  taken 
upon  the  whole  bill  until  the  next 
Congress,  unless  both  Chambers 
agree  by  absolute  majority  of  the 
members  present  to  the  promulga- 
tion of  the  law  or  resolution  with- 


AMENDMENTS   TO    CONSTITUTION. 


77 


la  ley  6  decreto  solo  con  los  arti- 
culos  aprobados,  y  que  se  reserven 
los  adicionados  6  reformados  para 
su  examen  y  votacion  en  las  sesio- 
nes  siguientes. 

F.  En  la  interpretacion,  reforma 
6  derogacion  de  las  leyes  6  decre- 
tos,  se  observaran  los  mismos 
tramites  establecidos  para  su  for- 
mation. 

G.  Ambas  Camaras  residiran  en 
un  misnio  lugar,  y  no  pod  ran 
trasladarse  a  otro  sin  que  antes 
convengan  en  la  traslacion  y  en  el 
tiempo  y  modo  de  v.erificarla,  de- 
signando  un  mismo  punto  para  la 
reunion  de  ambas.  Pero  si  con- 
viniendo  las  dos  en  la  traslacion 
difieren  en  cuanto  al  tiempo,  modo 
6  lugar,  el  Ejecutivo  terminara  la 
diferencia,  eligiendo  uno  de  los 
extremos  en  cuestion.  Ninguna 
Camara  podra  suspender  sus  se- 
siones  por  mas  de  tres  dias  sin 
consentimiento  de  la  otra. 

H.  Cuando  el  Congreso  general 
se  reuna  en  sesiones  extraordina- 
rias,  se  ocupara  exclusivamente 
del  objeto  u  objetos  designados  en 
la  convocatoria;  y  si  no  los  hubiere 
llenado  el  dia  en  que  deban  abrirse 
las  sesiones  ordinarias,  cerrara  sin 
embargo  aquellas,  dejando  los  pun- 
tos  pendientes  para  ser  tratados 
en  estas. 


El  Ejecutivo  de  la  Union  no 
puede  hacer  observaciones  a  las 
resoluciones  del  Congreso,  cuando 
este  prorrogue  sus  sesiones  6 
ejerza  funciones  de  cuerpo  electo- 
ral 6  de  jurado. 

Parrafo  III. 
De  las  facultades  del  Congreso  general. 

Art.  72.  El  Congreso  tiene  fa- 
cultad: 

III.  Para  f ormar  nuevos  Estados 
dentro  de  los  limites  de  los  existen- 
tes,  siendo  necesario  al  efecto: 

1°.  Que  la  fraction  6  fracciones 
que  pidan  erigirse  en  Estado  cuen- 


out  the  articles  objected  to,  which 
shall  be  left  for  further  discussion 
in  the  following  session. 


F.  The  same  formalities  re- 
quired for  the  enactment  of  laws 
shall  be  observed  for  their  inter- 
pretation, amendment,  or  repeal. 

G.  Both  Chambers  shall  hold 
their  meetings  at  the  same  place, 
and  shall  not  move  to  another  with- 
out first  having  agreed  upon  the 
moving  and  the  time  and  manner 
of  accomplishing  it,  as  well  as  upon 
the  place  of  meeting  which  shall  be 
the  same  for  both  Chambers.  If 
both  Chambers  agree  to  change 
their  meeting  place,  but  disagree 
as  to  the  time,  manner,  or  locality, 
the  Executive  shall  settle  the  ques- 
tion by  choosing  between  both 
votes.  Neither  Chamber  shall  ad- 
journ for  more  than  three  days 
without  the  consent  of  the  other. 

H.  When  Congress  meets  in  ex- 
tra session  it  shall  deal  exclusively 
with  the  matter  or  matters  speci- 
fied in  the  call.  If  the  object  of 
the  extra  session  has  not  been 
accomplished  at  the  time  in  which 
the  ordinary  session  begins,  there 
shall  be,  nevertheless,  a  formal 
closing  of  the  extra  session,  and 
the  unfinished  business  shall  be 
taken  up  arid  discussed  in  the  ordi- 
nary session. 

The  Executive  of  the  Union  shall 
not  make  objections  to  the  reso- 
lutions of  Congress  providing  for 
an  adjournment  of  its  sessions,  or 
passed  by  it  when  sitting  as  an 
electoral  body  or  a  court. 

Paragraph  III. 

Powers  of  the  general  Congress. 

Art.  72.  Congress  shall  have 
power: 

III.  To  form  new  States  within 
the  limits  of  the  existing  ones,  if 
the  following  requisites  are  com- 
plied with: 

1.  That  the  section  aspiring  to 
be  erected  into  a  State  has  a  popu- 


78 


THE   UNITED   MEXICAN    STATES. 


ten  con  una  poblacion  de  ciento 
veinte  mil  habitantes  por  lo  menos. 

2°.  Que  se  compruebe  ante  el 
Congreso  que  tienen  los  elementos 
bastantes  para  proveer  a  su  exis- 
tenciapolitica. 

3°.  Que  sean  oidas  las  Legisla- 
turas  de  los  Estados  de  cuyo  terri- 
torio  se  trate,  sobre  la  conveniencia 
6  inconveniencia  de  la  ereccion  del 
nuevo  Estado,  quedando  obligados 
a  dar  su  informe  dentro  de  seis 
meses,  contados  desde  el  dia  en 
que  se  les  remita  la  comunicacion 
relativa. 

4°.  Que  igualmente  se  oiga  al 
Ejecutivo  de  la  Federacion,  el  cual 
enviara  su  informe  dentro  de  siete 
dias,  contados  desde  la  fecha  en 
que  le  sea  pedido. 

5°.  Que  sea  votada  la  ereccion 
del  nuevo  Estado  por  dos  tercios 
de  los  Diputados  y  Senadores  pre- 
sentes  en  sus  respectivas  Camaras. 

6°.  Que  la  resolution  del  Con- 
greso sea  ratificada  por  la  mayoria 
de  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Esta- 
dos, con  vista  de  la  copia  del  expe- 
diente,  siempre  que  hayan  dado  su 
consentimiento  las  Legislaturas  de 
los  Estados,  de  cuyo  territorio  se 
trate. 

7°.  Si  las  Legislaturas  de  los 
Estados,  de  cuyo  territorio  se 
trate,  no  hubieren  dado  su  con- 
sentimiento, la  ratificacion  de  que 
habla  la  f  raccion  anterior  debera 
ser  hecha  por  los  dos  tercios  de 
las  Legislaturas  de  los  demas 
Estados. 

A.  Son  facultades  exclusivas  de 
la  Camara  de  Diputados: 

I.  Erigirse  en  colegio  electoral 
para  ejercer  las  facultades  que  la 
ley  le  senale,  respecto  al  nombra- 
miento  de  Presidente  constitucio- 
nal  de  la  Republica,  Magistrados 
de  la  Suprema  Corte  y  Senadores 
por  el  Distrito  Federal. 

II.  Calificar  y  decidir  sobre  las 
renuncias  que  hagan  el  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  o  los  Magistrados 


lation  of  at  least  one  hundred  and 
twenty  thousand  inhabitants. 

2.  That  proof  is  given  to  Con- 
gress that  it  has  sufficient  elements 
to  provide  for  its  political  exist- 
ence. 

3.  That  the  legislatures  of  the 
States  affected  by  the  erection  of 
the  new  one,  express  their  opinion 
on  the  advisability,  or  inadvis- 
ability  of  said  erection,  this  opin- 
ion to  be  given  within  six  months 
after  the  date  of  the  communica- 
tion addressed  to  them  for  that 
purpose. 

4.  That  the  opinion  of  the  Fed- 
eral Executive  be  also  heard  on 
the  subject,  said  opinion  to  be 
given  within  seven  days  after  the 
date  on  which  it  was  asked. 

5.  That  the  erection  of  the  new 
State  be  voted  upon  favorably  by 
two-thirds  of  the  representatives 
and  senators  present  in  their  re- 
spective Chambers. 

6.  That  the  resolution  of  Con- 
gress be  ratified  by  a  majority  of 
the  state  legislatures,  upon  exam- 
ination of  the  copy  of  the  record 
of  the  case  which  shall  be  sent  to 
them,  provided  that  the  legisla- 
tures of  the  States  to  which  the  sec- 
tion belongs  have  given  their  con- 
sent. 

7.  If  the  legislatures  of  the 
States  to  which  the  section  be- 
longs have  not  given  their  consent, 
the  ratification  referred  to  in  the 
foregoing  clause  shall  be  made  by 
two-thirds  of  the  legislatures  of 
the  other  States. 

A.  The  following  are  exclusive 
powers  of  the  Chamber  of  Dupu- 
ties: 

I.  To  resolve  itself  into  an  elec- 
toral college  to  exercise  the  power 
given  it  by  law  regarding  the  ap- 
pointments of  constitutional  Pres- 
ident of  the  Republic,  justices  of 
the  supreme  court  and  senators 
for  the  Federal  District. 

II.  To  pass  upon  the  resignations 
of  the  President  of  the  Republic 
and  of  the  justices  of  the  supreme 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


79 


de  la  Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia. 
Igual  atribucion  le  compete  tra- 
tandose  de  licencias  solicitadas  por 
el  primero. 

III.  Vigilar,  por  medio  de  una 
Comision  inspectora  de  su  seno,  el 
exacto  desempeno  de  las  f  unciones 
de  la  Contaduria  Mayor. 

IV.  Nombraralos  jefesy  demas 
empleados  de  la  misma. 

V.  Erigirse  en  jurado  de  acusa- 
cion  para  los  altos  f  uncionarios  de 
que  trata  el  articulo  103  de  la  Cons- 
titucion. 

VI.  Examinar  la  cuenta  que 
anualmente  debe  presentar  el 
Ejecutivo,  aprobar  el  presupuesto 
anual  de  gastos  e  iniciar  las  contri- 
buciones  que  a  su  juicio  deban 
decretarse  para  cubrir  aquel. 

B.  Son  f acultades  exclusivas  del 
Senado: 

I.  Aprobar  los  tratados  y  con- 
venciones  diplomaticas  que  celebre 
el  Ejecutivo  con  las  potencias  ex- 
tranjeras. 

II.  Ratificar  los  nombramientos 
que  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica 
haga  de  Ministros,  Agentes  diplo- 
matics, Consules  generales,  em- 
pleados superiores  de  Hacienda, 
Coroneles  y  demas  jef  es  superiores 
del  Ejercito  y  Armada  nacional,  en 
los  terminos  que  la  ley  disponga. 

III.  Autorizar  al  Ejecutivo  para 
que  pueda  permitir  la  salida  de 
tropas  nacionales  fuera  de  los 
limites  de  la  Republica,  el  paso  de 
tropas  extranjeras  por  el  territorio 
nacional,  y  la  estacion  de  escuadras 
de  otra  potencia,  por  mas  de  un 
mes,  en  las  aguas  de  la  Republica. 

IV.  Dar  su  consentimiento  para 
que  el  Ejecutivo  pueda  disponer 
de  la  guardia  nacional  fuera  de  sus 
respectivos  Estados  6  territorios, 
fijando  la  fuerza  necesaria. 

V.  Declarar,  cuando  hay  an  desa- 
parecido  los  Poderes  constitucio- 
nales  Legislatives  y  Ejecutivo  de 
un  Estado,  que  es  llegado  el  caso 


court,  and  to  grant  or  refuse  the 
leaves  of  absence  requested  by  the 
President. 

III.  To  watch,  by  means  of  a 
special  committee,  over  the  faith- 
ful compliance  by  the  comptroller 
of  the  treasury  with  the  duties  of 
his  office. 

IV.  To  appoint  all  the  em- 
ployees of  the  comptroller's  office. 

V.  To  resolve  itself  into  a  grand 
jury  and  formulate  articles  of  im- 
peachment against  the  high  func- 
tionaries mentioned  in  article  103 
of  the  Constitution. 

VI.  To  examine  the  accounts  to 
be  rendered  yearly  by  the  Execu- 
tive, approve  the  annual  Budget, 
and  originate  taxation  for  the  pur- 
pose of  meeting  the  expenses  of 
the  Government. 

B.  The  following-  are  exclusive 
powers  of  the  Senate: 

I.  To  approve  the  treaties  and 
conventions  concluded  by  the  Ex- 
ecutive with  foreign  powers. 

II.  To  confirm  the  nominations 
made  by  the  President  of  the  Re- 
public, of  diplomatic  ministers  or 
agents,  consuls-general,  superior 
officers  of  the  treasury,  colonels 
and  superior  officers  of  the  army 
and  navy,  in  the  manner  and  form 
established  by  law. 

III.  To  authorize  the  Execu- 
tive to  allow  national  troops  to  go 
beyond  the  limits  of  the  Republic, 
or  permit  foreign  troops  to  pass 
through  the  national  territory,  and 
to  consent  to  the  presence  of  fleets 
of  another  nation  for  more  than 
one  month  in  the  waters  of  the 
Republic. 

IV.  To  consent  to  the  Execu- 
tive disposing  of  the  national 
guard  outside  of  the  limits  of  its 
respective  States  or  Territories, 
and  fix  the  amount  of  the  force  to 
be  used. 

V.  To  declare,  when  the  consti- 
tutional, legislative,  and  executive 
powers  of  any  State  have  disap- 
peared, that  the  moment  has  ar- 


80 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


de  nombrarle  un  Gobernador  pro- 
visional, quien  convocara  a  elec- 
ciones  conforme  a  las  leyes  consti- 
tucionales  del  mismo  Estado.  El 
nombramiento.de  Gobernador  se 
hara  por  el  Ejecutivo  federal  con 
aprobacion  del  Senado,  y  en  los 
recesos  con  la  de  la  Comision  per- 
manente.  Dicho  funcionario  no 
podra  ser  electo  Gobernador  cons- 
titucional  en  las  elecciones  que  se 
verifiquen  en  virtud  de  la  convo- 
catoria  que  61  expidiere. 

VI.  Iiesolver  las  cuestiones  po- 
liticas  que  surjan  entre  los  Poderes 
de  un  Estado,  cuando  alguno  de 
ellos  ocurra  con  ese  fin  al  Senado, 
6  cuando  con  motivo  de  dichas 
cuestiones  se  haya  interrumpido 
el  orden  constitucional,  mediando 
un  conflicto  de  armas.  En  este 
caso  el  Senado  dictara  su  resolu- 
cion,  sujetandose  a  la  Constitu- 
tion general  de  la  Republica  y  a 
la  del  Estado. 

La  ley  reglamentara  el  ejercicio 
de  esa  facultad  y  el  de  la 'anterior. 

VII.  Erigirse  en  jurado  de  sen- 
tencia,  conforme  al  articulo  105 
de  la  Constitution. 

C.  Cada  una  de  las  Camaras 
puede,  sin  la  intervention  de  la 
otra: 

I.  Dictar  resoluciones  economi- 
cas  relativas  k  su  regimen  interior. 

II.  Comunicarse  entre  si  y  con 
el  Ejecutivo  de  la  Uni6n  por  medio 
de  comisiones  de  su  seno. 

III.  Nombrar  los  empleados  de 
su  Secretaria  y  hacer  el  Reglamento 
interior  de  la  misma. 

IV.  Expedir  convocatoria  para 
elecciones  extraordinarias,  con  el 
fin  de  cubrir  las  vacantes  de  sus 
respectivos  miembros. 

Parrafo  IV. 

De  la  Diputacidn  permanente. 

Art.  73.  Durante  los  recesos  del 
Congreso  habra  una  Comision  per- 


rived  to  give  the  said  State  a  pro- 
visional governor,  who  shall  order 
elections  to  be  held  according  to 
the  constitutional  law  of  the  State. 
The  appointment  of  such  governor 
shall  be  made  by  the  Federal  Ex- 
ecutive with  the  approval  of  the 
Senate,  or  in  its  recess  of  the  per- 
manent committee.  The  said  func- 
tionary shall  not  be  eligible  for  the 
position  of  constitutional  governor 
in  the  elections  to  be  held  under 
the  call  issued  by  him. 

VI.  To  decide  any  political  ques- 
tions which  may  arise  between  the 
powers  of  a  State,  if  any  of  them 
applies  to  it,  for  that  purpose,  or 
when  the  constitutional  order  has 
been  interrupted  by  an  armed  con- 
flict in  consequence  of  said  ques- 
tions. The  decision  of  the  Senate 
shall  be  given  in  accordance  with 
the  federal  Constitution  and  that 
of  the  State. 

The  exercise  of  the  powers  speci- 
fied in  this  clause  and  the  preced- 
ing one  shall  be  regulated  by  law. 

VII.  To  resolve  itself  into  a 
court  of  impeachment,  under  arti- 
cle 105  of  the  Constitution. 

C.  Each  Chamber  may  without 
intervention  of  the  other: 

I.  Pass  resolutions  upon  mat- 
ters exclusively  relating  to  its  own 
interior  regime. 

II.  Communicate  with  each 
other  and  with  the  Executive  of 
the  Union,  by  means  of  commit- 
tees appointed  for  that  purpose. 

III.  Appoint  the  employees  in 
the  office  of  its  own  secretary,  and 
make  rules  and  regulations  for  the 
same  office. 

IV.  Issue  a  call  for  extraordi- 
nary elections  to  fill  the  vacancies 
which  may  have  happened  in  it. 

Paragraph  IV. 

The  permanent  committee. 

Art.  73.  During  the  recesses  of 
Congress  there  shall  be  a  perma- 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


81 


manente,  compuesta  de  veintinueve 
miembros,  de  los  que  quince  seran 
Diputados  y  catorce  Senadores, 
nombrados  por  sus  respectivas 
Camaras  la  vispera  de  la  clausura 
de  las  sesiones. 

Art.  74.  Son  atribuciones  de  la 
Comision  permanente: 

II.  Acordarpor  si,  6  apropuesta 
del  Ejecutivo,  oyendolo  en  el  pri- 
mer caso,  la  convocatoria  del  Con- 
greso,  6  de  una  sola  Camara  a 
sesiones  extraordinarias,  siendo 
necesario  en  ambos  easos  el  voto 
de  los  dos  terceras  partes  de  los 
individuos  presentes.  La  convo- 
catoria senalara  el  objeto  u  objetos 
de  las  sesiones  extraordinarias. 

Art.  103.  Los  Senadores,  los 
Diputados,  los  individuos  de  la 
Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia  y  los 
Secretarios  de  despacho,  son  res- 
ponsables  por  los  delitos  comunes 
que  cometan  durante  el  tiempo  de 
su  encargo,  y  por  los  delitos,  faltas 
u  omisiones  en  que  incurran  en  el 
ejercicio  de  ese  mismo  encargo. 
Los  Gobernadores  de  los  Estados 
lo  son  igualmente  por  inf  raccion  de 
la  Constitucion  y  leyes  federales. 
Lo  es  tambien  el  Preside  nte  de  la 
Repiiblica:  pero  durante  el  tiempo 
de  su  encargo  solopodra  ser  acusado 
por  delitos  de  traicion  a  la  patria, 
violacion  expresa  de  la  Constitu- 
cion, ataque  a  la  libertad  electoral 
y  delitos  graves  del  orden  comiin. 

No  gozan  de  f  uero  constitucional 
los  altos  f  uncionarios  de  la  Fede- 
racion,  por  los  delitos  oficiales,  fal- 
tas u  omisiones  en  que  incurran  en 
el  desempeno  de  algun  empleo, 
cargo  6  comision  piiblica  que  hayan 
aceptado  durante  el  periodo  en  que, 
conforme  a  la  ley,  se  disfruta  de 
aquel  f  uero.  Lo  mismo  sueedera 
con  respecto  a  los  delitos  comunes 
que  cometan  durante  el  desempeno 
de  dicho  empleo,  cargo  6  comision. 
Para  que  la  causa  pueda  iniciarse 
cuando  el  alto  funcionario  ha}'a 
vuelto  a  ejercer  sus  funciones  pro- 

360a— vol  1—06 6 


nent  committee,  consisting  of 
twenty-nine  members,  fifteen  of 
whom  shall  be  representatives  and 
fourteen  senators,  appointed  by 
the  respective  chambers  on  the 
eve  of  the  day  of  final  adjournment. 

Art.  74.  The  powers  of  the  per- 
manent committee  shall  be: 

II.  To  resolve,  either  on  its  own 
motion,  or  at  the  suggestion  of  the 
Executive,  giving  the  latter  a  hear- 
ing in  the  first  case,  the  calling  of 
Congress,  or  of  one  of  its  chambers, 
to  hold  an  extra  session.  In  both 
cases  the  resolution  shall  be  passed 
by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  mem- 
bers present.  The  call  shall  set 
forth  the  object  or  objects  to  be 
discussed  in  the  extra  session. 

Art.  103.  Senators,  Deputies, 
members  of  the  supreme  court, 
and  members  of  the  cabinet  shall 
be  responsible  for  the  common 
offenses  committed  by  them  during 
their  term  of  office,  and  for  their 
crimes,  misdemeanors,  or  omis- 
sions in  the  exercise  of  their  func- 
tions. The  governors  of  the 
States  shall  also  be  responsible 
for  the  violation  of  the  Federal 
Constitution  and  laws.  The  Pres- 
ident of  the  Republic  shall  be  like- 
wise responsible;  but  during  his 
term  he  can  be  charged  only  with 
treason,  express  violation  of  the 
Constitution,  attacks  on  electoral 
liberty,  and  grave  common  of- 
fenses. 

No  constitutional  privilege  shall 
be  extended  to  any  high  Federal 
functionary  when  tried  for  official 
offenses,  misdemeanors,  or  omis- 
sions committed  by  him  in  the 
discharge  of  some  public  function 
or  commission,  during  the  time  in 
which,  according  to  law,  the  privi- 
lege is  enjoyed.  This  provision 
shall  be  applicable  to  cases  of  com- 
mon offenses  committed  under  the 
same  circumstances.  In  order  that 
the  proceedings  may  be  instituted 
when  the  high  functionary  returns 
to  the  exercise  of  his  own  func- 


82 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


pias,  debera  procederse  con  arreglo 
a  lo  dispuesto  en  el  articulo  104  de 
la  Constitution. 

Art.  104.  Si  el  delito  fuere  co- 
mun,  la  Camara  de  Representantes, 
erigida  en  gran  jurado,  declarara,  a 
mayoria  absolute,  de  votos,  si  ha  6 
no  lugar  a  proceder  contra  el  acu- 
sado.  En  caso  negativo  no  habra 
lugar  a  ningun  procedimiento  ul- 
terior. En  el  afirmativo  el  acu- 
sado  queda,  por  el  mismo  hecho, 
separado  de  su  en  cargo  y  sujeto  a 
la  action  de  los  tribunales  comunes. 


Art.  105.  De  los  delitos  oficiales 
conoceran :  la  Camara  de  Diputados 
como  jurado  de  acusacion,  y  la 
de  Senadores  como  jurado  de  sen- 
tencia. 

El  jurado  de  acusacion  tendra 
por  objeto  declarar,  a  mayoria  ab- 
soluta de  votos,  si  el  acusado  es  6 
no  culpable.  Si  la  declaration 
fuere  absolutoria,  el  funcionario 
continuara  en  el  ejercicio  de  su 
encargo.  Si  fuere  condenatoria, 
quedara  inmediatamente  separado 
dedicho  encargo  y  sera  puesto  a 
disposition  de  la  Camara  de  Sena- 
dores. Esta,  erigida  en  jurado  de 
sentencia  y  con  audiencia  del  reo 
y  del  acusadoi,  si  lo  hubiere,  pro- 
cedera  a  aplicar,  a  mayoria  abso- 
luta de  votos,  la  pena  que  la  ley 
designe. 

III. 


tions,  the  rules  set  forth  in  article 
104  of  the  Constitution  shall  be 
observed. 

Art.  104.  If  the  offense  belongs 
to  the  common  class  the  Cham- 
ber of  Deputies,  resolving  itself 
into  a  grand  jury,  shall  declare  by 
absolute  majority  of  votes  whether 
proceedings  against  the  accused 
should  or  should  not  be  instituted. 
If  the  resolution  is  negative  no 
further  action  shall  be  taken  on 
the  subject.  If  it  is  affirmative 
the  accused  shall,  by  the  same  fact, 
be  removed  from  his  position,  and 
placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  ordi- 
nary courts. 

Art.  105.  In  cases  of  impeach- 
ment the  Chamber  of  Deputies 
shall  act  as  a  grand  jury  and  the 
Senate  as  a  tribunal. 

The  grand  jury  shall  decide  by 
absolute  majority  of  votes  if  the 
accused  is  or  is  not  to  be  impeached. 
If  the  decision  is  favorable  to  the 
accused  functionary,  the  latter 
shall  continue  in  the  exercise  of 
his  functions.  If  it  is  adverse,  the 
accused  official  shall  be  immedi- 
ately removed  from  his  position 
and  put  at  the  disposal  of  the 
Senate.  The  Senate,  resolving  it- 
self into  a  tribunal,  shall,  upon  the 
proper  hearing  of  the  defendant, 
and  also  of  the  plaintiff,  if  there  is 
any,  by  absolute  majority  of  votes 
impose  the  penalty  provided  by 
law. 

III. 


LEY  DE  MAYO  5  DE  1878. 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de  la 
facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 
127  de  la  Constitution  federal,  y 

Srevia  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
e  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformados  los  articulos 
78  y  109  de  la  Constitucion,  en 
los  siguientes  terminos: 

Art.  78.  El  Presidente  entrara 
&  ejercer  su  encargo  el  primero  de 


LAW  OF  MAY  5,  1878. 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States  in  exercise  of  the 
power  vested  in  it  by  article  127 
of  the  Federal  Constitution,  after 
having  obtained  the  approval  of  a 
majority  of  the  state  legislatures, 
does  hereby  amend  articles  78  and 
109  of  the  Constitution  in  the  fol- 
lowing terms: 

Art.  78.  The  President  shall 
enter  upon  the  duties  of  his  office 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


83 


Diciembre  y  durara  en  el  cuatro 
anos,  no  pudiendo  ser  reelectopara 
el  periodo  inmediato,  ni  ocupar  la 
presidencia  por  ningun  motivo, 
sino  hasta  pasados  cuatro  anos  de 
haber  cesado  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus 
funciones. 

Art.  109.  Los  Estados  adop- 
taran  para  su  regimen  interior  la 
forma  de  gobierno  republicano, 
representative,  popular,  y  deter- 
minaran  en  sus  respectivas  Cons- 
tituciones  los  terminos  en  que 
queda  prohibida  la  reelection  de 
sus  Gobernadores. 

El  caracter  de  Gobernador  de 
un  Estado,  cualesquiera  que  sean 
los  titulos  con  queejerzael  poder, 
es  incompatible  en  todo  caso  con  su 
election  para  el  siguiente  periodo. 
Las  Constituciones  locales  pre- 
cisaran  este  precepto  en  los  termi- 
nos que  las  Legislaturas  lo  estimen 
conveniente. 

IV. 

LEY  DE  MAYO  17  DE  1882. 

(Reformada  Nov.  22,  1886.) 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de  la 
facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 
127  de  la  Constitucion  federal,  y 
previa  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
de  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformado  el  articulo  124 
de  la  misma  Constitucion,  en  los 
siguientes  terminos: 

Art.  124.  Para  el  dia  primero 
de  Diciembre  de  mil  ochocientos 
ochenta  y  cuatro,  a  mas  tardar, 
quedaran  abolidas  las  alcabalas  y 
aduanas  interiores  en  el  Distrito  y 
Territorio  de  la  Federation  y  en 
los  Estados  que  no  las  hayan 
suprimido. 

V. 

LEY  DE   XUNIO  2  DE  1882. 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados 
Unidos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de 
la  facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 


on  the  first  of  December,  and  shall 
hold  the  said  office  for  four  years. 
He  shall  not  be  reelected  for  the 
period  immediately  following,  nor 
shall  he  fill  for  any  reason  whatever 
the  presidential  office  until  the  said 
intermediate  period  of  four  }rears 
has  elapsed. 

Art.  109.  The  States  shall  adopt 
for  themselves  the  republican,  rep- 
resentative and  popular  form  of 
government,  and  the}*-  shall  state 
in  their  respective  constitutions 
the  manner  and  form  in  which  the 
reelection  of  their  governors  shall 
be  forbidden. 

The  position  of  governor  of  a 
State,  whatever  the  reason  may  be 
of  his  holding  it,  is  incompatible 
in  all  cases  with  his  election  for 
the  following  period.  The  local 
constitutions  sh all  gi  ve  form  to  this 
provision  in  the  terms  and  in  the 
manner  which  the  respective 
legislatures  may  deem  advisable. 

IV. 

LAW  OF  MAY  17,  1882. 

(Amended  Nov.  22,  1886.) 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States,  in  exercise  of 
the  power  vested  in  it  by  article 
127  of  the  Federal  Constitution, 
after  having  obtained  the  approval 
of  a  majority  of  the  state  legisla- 
tures, does  hereby  amend  article 
124  of  the  Constitution  in  the  fol- 
lowing terms: 

Art.  124.  On  the  first  day  of 
December,  eighteen  hundred  and 
eighty- four,  at  the  latest,  the 
alcabala  taxes  and  the  interior  cus- 
tom-houses in  the  Federal  District 
and  Territory  and  in  the  States  in 
which  they  still  exist,  shall  be 
abolished. 

V. 

LAW  OF  JUNE  2,  1882. 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States,  in  exercise  of 
the  power  vested  in  it  by  article 


84 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


127  de  la  Constitucion  federal,  y 
previa  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayona 
de  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformada  la  fraccion 
XXVI  del  articulo  72  y  adicionado 
el  85  de  la  Constitucion,  en  los 
siguientes  terminos: 

A  RTfcuLO  1.  Se  ref orma  la  frac- 
cion XXVI  del  articulo  72  de  la 
Constitucion,  que  quedara  en  los 
terminos  siguientes: 

XXVI.  Para  conceder  premios 
6  recompensas  por  servicios  emi- 
nentes  prestados  a  la  patria  6  a  la 
humanidad. 

Art.  2.  Se  reforma  el  articulo 
85  de  la  Constitucion,  agregando 
la  fraccion  siguiente: 

XVI.  Conceder  privilegios  ex- 
clusivos  por  tiempo  limitado  y  con 
arreglo  a  la  ley  respectiva,  a  los 
desciibridores,  inventores  6  per- 
feccionadores  de  algun  ramo  de 
industria. 

VI. 

LEY  DE  OCTUBRE   3  DE  1882. 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de  la 
facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 
127  de  la  Constitucion  federal,  y 
previa  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
de  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformados  los  articulos 
79,  80  y  82  de  la  Constitucion,  en 
los  siguientes  terminos: 

Art.  79.  En  las  faltas  tempo- 
rales  del  Presidente  de  la  Republica 
y  en  la  absoluta,  mientras  se  pre- 
sents el  nuevamente  electo,  entrant 
a  ejercer  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  de  la 
Union,  el  ciudadano  que  haya  de- 
sempeiiado  el  cargo  de  Presidente 
6  Vicepresidente  del  Senado,  6  de 
la  Comision  permanente  en  los 
periodos  de  receso,  durante  el  mes 
anterior  a  aquel  en  que  ocurran 
dichas  faltas. 

A.  El  Presidente  y  Vicepresi- 
dente del  Senado  y  de  la  Comision 
permanente  no  podrsin  ser  reelec- 
tos  para  esos  cargos,  sino  despues 
de  un  afio  de  haberlos  desempe- 
nado. 


127  of  the  Federal  Constitution, 
after  having  obtained  the  approval 
of  a  majority  of  the  state  legis- 
latures, does  hereby  amend  clause 
XXVI  of  article  72  of  the  Consti- 
tution, and  article  85  of  the  same  in 
the  following  terms: 

Article  1.  Clause  XXVI  of 
article  72  of  the  Constitution  shall 
read  as  follows: 

XXVI.  To  grant  rewards  for 
eminent  services  rendered  to  the 
country  or  to  humanity. 

Art.  2.  Article  85  of  the  Con- 
stitution is  hereb}'  amended  by 
adding  to  it  the  following  clause: 

XVI,  To  grant  exclusive 
privileges,  for  a  limited  time,  and 
according  to  the  respective  law,  to 
discoverers,  inventors,  or  improv- 
ers in  some  branch  of  industry. 

VI. 

LAW  OF  OCTOBER  3,  1882. 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States,  in  exercise  of 
the  power  vested  in  it  b}r  article 
127  of  the  Federal  Constitution, 
after  having  obtained  the  approval 
of  a  majority  of  the  state  legisla- 
tures, does  hereby  amend  articles 
79,  80,  and  82  of  the  Constitution 
in  the  following  terms: 

Art.  79.  During  the  tempo- 
rar}7  vacancy  of  the  Presidency  of 
the  Republic,  and  in  the  absolute 
one,  as  long  as  the  President  elect 
does  not  put  in  his  appearance,  the 
citizen  who  has  tilled  the  position 
of  president  or  vice-president  of 
the  Senate  or  of  the  permanent 
committee  in  periods  of  recess, 
during  the  month  preceding  the 
vacancy,  shall  act  as  President  of 
the  nation. 

A.  The  president  and  vice- 
president  of  the  Senate  and  of  the 
permanent  committee  shall  not  be 
reelected  to  those  offices  except 
after  the  lapse  of  one  year. 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION- 


85 


B.  Si  el  periodo  de  sesiones  del 
Senado  6  de  la  Comision  perma- 
nente  comenzare  en  la  segunda 
quincena  de  un  mes,  las  faltas  del 
Presidente  de  la  Republica  sertin 
cubiertas  por  el  Presidente  6  Vice- 
presidente  que  haya  funcionado  en 
el  Senado  6  en  la  Comision  perma- 
nente  durante  la  primera  quincena 
del  propio  mes. 

C.  El  Senado  y  la  Comision 
permanente  renovaran,  el  dia  ulti- 
mo de  cada  mes,  su  Presidente  y 
Vicepresidente.  Para  estos  car- 
gos  la  Comision  permanente  ele- 
gira  alternativamente,  en  un  mes 
dos  Diputados  y  en  el  siguiente  dos 
Senadores. 

D.  Cuando  la  falta  del  Presi- 
dente de  la  Republica  sea  absoluta, 
el  funcionario  que  entrea  sustituir- 
lo  constitucionalmente  debera  ex- 
pedir,  dentro  del  termino  preciso 
de  quince  dias,  la  convocatoria  para 
proceder  a  nueva  eleccion,  que  se 
verificara  en  el  plazo  de  tres  me- 
ses,  y  con  arreglo  a  lo  dispuesto  en 
el  articulo  76  de  esta  Constitucion. 
El  Presidente  interino  no  podrii 
ser  electo  propietario  en  las  elec- 
ciones  que  se  verifiquen  para  po- 
ner  fin  a  su  interinato. 

E.  Si  por  causa  de  muerte  6 
cualquier  otro  motivo  no  pudiesen 
de  un  modo  absoluto  sustituir  al 
Presidente  de  la  Republica  los  f  un- 
cionarios  a  quienes  corresponda, 
segun  estas  reformas,  lo  sustituira, 
en  los  terminos  prevenidos  el  ciu- 
dadano  que  haya  sido  Presidente  6 
Vicepresidente  en  ejercicio  del  Se- 
nado 6  de  la  Comision  permanente, 
en  el  mes  anterior  al  en  que  ellos 
desempenaron  estos  oficios. 

F.  Cuando  la  falta  absoluta  del 
Presidente  de  la  Republica  ocurra 
dentro  de  los  seis  meses  ultimos 
del  periodo  constitucional,  termi- 
nara  este  el  funcionario  que  susti- 
tuya  al  Presidente. 

Gr.  Para  ser  Presidente  6  Vice- 
presidente del  Senado,  6  de  la 
Comision  permanente,  se  necesita 


B.  If  the  session  of  the  Senate 
or  of  the  permanent  committee 
begins  in  the  second  half  of  the 
month,  the  vacancy  in  the  Presi- 
dency of  the  Republic  shall  be 
filled  by  the  president  or  vice- 
president  of  the  Senate  or  of  the 
permanent  committee  during  the 
first  half  of  the  same  month. 

C.  The  Senate  and  the  perma- 
nent committee  shall  renew  on  the 
last  day  of  each  month  their  presi- 
dent and  vice-president.  The  per- 
manent committee  shall  elect  for 
these  positions  alternatively  two 
representatives  in  one  month  and 
two  senators  in  the  following. 

D.  When  the  vacancy  of  the 
Presidency  of  the  Republic  is  abso- 
lute, the  functionary  called  consti- 
tutionally to  act  as  President  shall 
order,  within  fifteen  days,  a  new 
election,  to  be  held  three  months 
thereafter,  according  to  the  provi- 
sion of  article  76  of  the  Constitu- 
tion. The  President  ad  interim  is 
not  eligible  to  succeed  himself  as 
President. 


E.  If,  on  account  of  death  or 
any  other  cause,  the  functionaries 
who  according  to  these  provisions 
are  called  to  take  the  place  of  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic,  can  not  abso- 
lutely do  so,  the  position  shall  then 
be  filled  by  the  citizen  who  was 
president  or  vice-president  of  the 
Senate  or  of  the  permanent  com- 
mittee,during  the  month  preceding 
the  one  in  which  the  said  function- 
aries held  the  same. 

F.  When  the  absolute  vacancy 
of  the  Presidency  of  the  Republic 
occurs  during  the  last  six  months 
of  the  presidential  term,  the  Act- 
ting  President  shall  complete  the 
term. 

G.  To  be  president  or  vice- 
president  of  the  Senate  or  of  the 
permanent  committee  it  shall  be 


86 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


ser  ciudadano  mexicano  por  naci- 
niiento. 

H.  Si  la  falta  del  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  ocurriese  cuando 
este"n  f  uncionando  a  la  vez  la  Comi- 
sion permanente  y  el  Senado  en  se- 
siones  extraordinarias,  entrara  a 
suplirla  el  Presidente  de  la  Comi- 
sion,  en  los  terminos  senalados  en 
este  articulo. 

I.  El  Vice  presidente  del  Se- 
nado 6  de  la  Comision  permanente 
entraran  a  desempenar  las  fun- 
ciones  que  este  articulo  les  con- 
fiere,  en  las  faltas  absolutas  del 
Presidente  del  Senado  6  de  la 
Comision  permanente,  y  en  las 
temporales,  solo  mientras  dure  el 
impedimento. 


J.  El  Presidente  nuevamente 
electo  entrara  a,  ejercer  sus  fun- 
ciones  a  mas  tardar  sesenta  dias 
despues  del  de  la  eleccion.  En 
caso  de  no  estar  reunida  la  Camara 
de  Diputados,  sera  convocada  a  se- 
siones  extraordinarias,  para  hacer 
la  computation  de  votos  dentro 
del  plazo  mencionado. 

Art.  80.  En  la  falta  absoluta  del 
Presidente,  al  nuevamente  electo  se 
le  computara  su  periodo  desde  el 
primero  deDiciembre  del  ano  ante- 
rior al  de  su  eleccion,  siempre  que 
no  haya  tornado  posesion  de  su  en- 
cargo  en  la  fecha  que  determina  el 
articulo  78. 

Art.  82.  Si  por  cualquier  mo- 
tivo  la  eleccion  de  Presidente  no 
estuviese  hecha  y  publicada  para  el 
primero  de  Diciembre,  en  quedebe 
verificarse  el  reemplazo,  6  el  electo 
no  estuviese  pronto  a  entrar  en  el 
ejercicio  de  sus  funciones,  cesara 
sin  embargo  el  antiguo,  y  el  Su- 
premo Poder  Ejecutivo  se  deposi- 
tary interinamente  en  el  funciona- 
rio  a  quien  corresponda,  segun  lo 
prevenido  en  el  articulo  79  refor- 
mado  de  esta  Constitution. 


necessary  to  be  a  native  Mexican 
citizen. 

H.  If  the  vacancy  of  the  Pres- 
idency of  the  Republic  occ.i  is  when 
the  permanent  committee  and  the 
Senate  in  extra  session  are  holding 
their  meetings  simultaneously,  the 
president  of  the  committee  shall  be 
the  one  called  to  act  as  President  in 
the  manner  and  form  provided  by 
this  article. 

I.  The  vice-president  of  the 
Senate  and  of  the  permanent  com- 
mittee shall  enter  upon  the  per- 
formance of  the  functions  which 
the  present  article  confers  upon 
them  when  the  vacancy  of  the  pres- 
idency of  the  Senate  or  of  the  per- 
manent committee  is  absolute;  in 
the  temporary  ones  they  shall  fill 
the  positions  only  as  long  as  the 
impediment  lasts. 

J.  The  President  elect  shall 
enter  upon  the  duties  of  his  office 
not  later  than  sixty  days  after  his 
election.  If  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives is  not  in  session  at  that 
time,  it  shall  be  called  to  convene 
in  extra  session,  in  order  that  the 
counting  of  the  votes  be  made  with- 
in the  period  above  mentioned. 

Art.  80.  In  cases  of  absolute 
vacancy  of  the  Presidency,  the 
time  of  service  of  the  President 
elect  shall  be  computed  from  the 
first  of  December  of  the  year  pre- 
ceding his  election,  if  he  has  not 
taken  possession  of  the  office  on 
the  date  set  forth  in  article  78. 

Art.  82.  If  for  any  reason  the 
election  of  President  is  not  made 
and  published  on  or  before  the  first 
of  December,  when  the  change  of 
administration  is  to  take  place, 
or  if  the  President-elect  is  not 
ready  to  enter  upon  the  discharge 
of  his  duties,  the  President  whose 
term  has  expired  shall  cease  never- 
theless to  hold  his  office,  and  the 
supreme  executive  power  shall  be 
temporarily  vested  in  the  function- 
ary to  whom  it  may  belong  accord- 
ing to  the  provisions  of  article  79, 
as  amended,  of  the  present  Con- 
stitution. 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


87 


VII. 

LET  DE  MAYO  15  DE  1883. 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de  la 
facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 
127  de  la  Constitucion  federal,  y 
previa  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
de  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformado  el  articulo  7  de 
la  Constitucion,  en  los  siguientes 
terminos: 

Art.  7.  Es  inviolable  la  liber- 
tad  de  escribir  y  publicar  escritos 
sobre  cualquier  materia.  Ninguna 
ley  ni  autoridad  puede  establecer 
la  previa  censura,  ni  exigir  fianzas 
a  los  autores  6  impresores,  ni  coar- 
tar  la  libertad  de  imprenta,  que 
no  tiene  mas  limites  que  el  res- 
peto  a  la  vida  privada,  a  la  moral 
y  £  la  paz  publica.  Los  delitos 
que  se  cometan  por  medio  de  la 
imprenta,  seran  juzgados  por  los 
tribunales  competences  de  la  Fede- 
racion,  6  por  los  de  los  Estados,  los 
del  Distrito  Federal  y  Territoriode 
la  Baja  California,  conforme  a  la 
legislacion  penal. 

VIII. 

LET  DE  DICIEMBRE  14  DE  1883. 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de  la 
facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 
127  de  la  Constitucion  federal,  y 
previa  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
de  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformada  la  fraccion  X 
del  articulo  72  de  la  misma  Consti- 
tucion, en  los  siguientes  terminos: 

X.  Para  expedir  codigos  obli- 
gatorios  en  toda  la  Republica,  de 
mineria  y  comercio,  comprendien- 
do  en  este  ultimo  ias  institucio- 
nes  bancarias. 


IX. 

LET  DE  MAYO  29  DE  1884. 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos  Mexicanos,,  en  eiercicio  de  la 


VII. 

LAW  OF  MAT  15,  1883. 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States,  in  exercise  of 
the  power  vested  in  it  by  article 
127  of  the  Federal  Constitution, 
after  having  obtained  the  approval 
of  a  majority  of  the  state  legisla- 
tures, does  hereb}'  declare  article 
7  of  the  Constitution  amended  as 
follows: 

Art.  7.  Freedom  of  writing 
and  publishing  writings  on  any 
subject  is  inviolable.  No  law  or 
authority  shall  have  power  to  es- 
tablish previous  censorship,  re- 
quire bond  from  authors  or 
printers,  or  restrict  the  liberty  of 
the  press  which  shall  be  limited 
only  by  the  respect  due  to  private 
life,  morals,  and  public  peace. 
Cases  of  offenses  committed 
through  the  public  press  shall  be 
tried  by  the  competent  Courts 
of  the  Union,  the  States,  the 
Federal  District  or  the  Territory 
of  Lower  California,  according 
to  penal  law. 

VIII. 

LAW  OF  DECEMBER  14,  1883. 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States,  in  exercise  of 
the  power  vested  in  it  by  article 
127  of  the  Federal  Constitution, 
after  having  obtained  the  approval 
of  a  majority  of  the  state  legisla- 
tures, does  hereby  declare  clause  X 
of  article  72  of  the  said  Constitu- 
tion amended  as  follows: 

X.  To  promulgate  mining  and 
commercial  codes,  which  shall  be 
observed  throughout  the  whole 
Republic.  The  banking  law  shall 
form  a  part  of  the  code  of  com- 
merce. 

IX. 

LAW  OF  MAT  29,  1884. 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican    States,   in    exercise  of 


88 


THE   UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 
127  de  la  Constitution  federal,  y 
previa  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
de  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformada  la  fraction  I  del 
articulo  97  de  la  misrna  Constitu- 
tion, en  los  siguientes  terminos: 

Art.  97.  Corresponde  a  los  tri- 
bunales  de  la  Federation  conocer: 

I.  De  todas  las  controversias 
que  se  susciten  sobre  el  cumpli- 
miento  y  aplicacion  de  las  leyes 
federates,  excepto  en  el  caso  de 
que  la  aplicacion  solo  afecte  inte- 
reses  de  particulares,  pues  enton- 
ces  son  competentes  para  conocer 
los  jueces  y  tribunales  locales  del 
orden  comiin  de  los  Estados,  del 
Distrito  Federal  y  Territorio  de  la 
Baja  California. 


the  power  vested  in  it  by  article 
127  of  the  Federal  Constitution, 
after  having  obtained  the  approval 
of  a  majority  of  the  state  legisla- 
tures, does  hereby  declare  clause  I 
of  article  97  of  the  said  Constitu- 
tion amended  as  follows: 

Art.  97.  The  Federal  tribunals 
shall  take  cognizance  of: 

I.  All  controversies  arising  out 
of  the  application  and  enforcement 
of  the  Federal  laws,  except  when 
only  private  interests  are  affected 
thereby,  in  which  case  the  local 
state  courts  and  tribunals  and  the 
ordinary  courts  of  the  Federal 
District  and  of  the  Territory  of 
Lower  California  shall  have  com- 
petent jurisdiction  over  the  same. 


X. 


LET  DE  NOVIEMBRE  25  DE  1884. 
(Reformada  Nov.  22  de  1886.) 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de  la 
facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 
127  de  la  Constitution  federal,  y 
previa  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
de  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformado  el  articulo  124 
de  la  misma  Constitution  en  los 
siguientes  terminos: 

Art.  124.  Para  el  dia  primero 
de  Diciembre  de  mil  ochocientos 
ochenta  y  seis,  a  mas  tardar,  que- 
daran  abolidas  las  alcabalas  y 
aduanas  interiores  en  el  Distrito 
Federal  y  Territorios  de  la  Fede- 
ration, y  en  los  Estados  que  no 
las  hayan  suprimido. 

XI. 


LAW  OF  NOVEMBER  25,  1884. 

(Amended  Nov.  22,  1886.) 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States,  in  exercise  of  the 
power  vested  in  it  by  article  127 
of  the  Federal  Constitution,  after 
having  obtained  the  approval  of  a 
majority  of  the  State  legislatures, 
does  hereby  declare  article  124  of 
the  said  Constitution  amended  as 
follows: 

Art.  124.  On  the  first  of  De- 
cember, eighteen  hundred  and 
eighty-six,  at  the  latest,  all  the 
alcabala  taxes  and  the  interior  cus- 
tom-houses in  the  Federal  District, 
the  Territories  of  the  Federation, 
and  the  States  in  which  they  may 
still  exist,  shall  be  abolished. 

XL 


LET  DE  NOVIEMBRE  22  DE  1886. 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de  la 
facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 
127  de  la  Constitution  federal,  y 

S  re  via  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
e  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformado  el  articulo  124 


LAW  OF  NOVEMBER  22,  1886. 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States,  in  exercise  of 
the  power  vested  in  it  by  article 
127  of  the  Federal  Constitution, 
after  having  obtained  the  approval 
of  a  majority  of  the  State  legisla- 
tures, does  hereby  declare  article 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION, 


89 


de  la  expresada  Constitucion  en  los 
siguientes  terminos: 

Art.  124.  Los  Estados  no  po- 
dran  imponer  ningun  derecho  por 
el  simple  transito  de  mercancias 
en  la  circulacion  interior.  Solo  el 
Gobierno  de  la  Union  podra  decre- 
tar  derechos  de  transito,  pero 
unicamente  respecto  de  efectos 
extranjeros  que  atraviesen  el  pais 
por  lineas  internacionales  e  inter- 
oceanicas,  sin  estar  en  el  territorio 
nacional  mas  tiempo  que  el  necesa- 
rio  para  la  travesia  y  salida  al 
extranjero. 

No  prohibiran  directa  ni  indi- 
rectamente  la  entrada  a  su  territo- 
rio, ni  la  salida  de  el,  de  ninguna 
mercancia,  a  no  ser  por  motivo  de 
policia;  ni  gra varan  los  articulos 
de  produccion  nacional  por  su 
salida  para  el  extranjero  6  para 
otro  Estado. 

Las  exenciones  de  derechos  que 
concedan  seran  generales,  no  pu- 
diendo  decretarlas  en  favor  de  los 
productos  de  determinada  proce- 
dencia. 

La  cuota  del  impuesto  para 
determinada  mercancia  sera  una 
misma,  sea  cual  fuere  su  proceden- 
cia,  sin  que  pueda  asignarsele 
mayor  gravamen  que  el  que  repor- 
tan  los  frutos  similares  de  la  enti- 
dad  politica  en  que  se  decrete  el 
impuesto. 

La  mercancia  nacional  no  podra 
ser  sometida  a  determinada  ruta 
ni  a  inspeccion  6  registro  en  los 
caminos,  ni  exigirse  documento 
fiscal  alguno  para  su  circulacion 
interior. 

No  gravaran  la  mercancia  ex- 
tranjera  con  mayor  cuota  que 
aquella  cuyo  cobro  les  haya  sido 
consentido  por  la  ley  federal. 

XII. 

LEY  DE  OCTUBRE  21  DE   1887. 


124  of  the  said  Constitution  amend- 
ed as  follows: 

Art.  124.  The  States  shall  not 
levy  any  duty  for  the  simple  transit 
of  merchandise  through  their  ter- 
ritory. The  Government  of  the 
Union  alone  shall  have  the  power 
to  levy  transit  duties,  but  only 
on  foreign  merchandise  crossing 
the  territory  of  the  Republic  by 
international  or  interoceanic  lines, 
without  remaining  in  the  country 
any  longer  than  necessary  to  pass 
through  it. 

They  shall  not  forbid,  directly  or 
indirectly,  the  admission  into  their 
territory,  or  the  exit  from  it,  of 
any  kind  of  merchandise,  unless  it 
is  for  reasons  of  police.  Nor  shall 
they  tax  the  articles  of  national 
production  when  leaving  for  for- 
eign countries,  or  for  another  State. 

All  exemptions  from  duties 
granted  by  them  shall  be  general, 
and  no  discriminations  shall  be 
made  in  favor  of  the  products  of 
an}^  particular  origin. 

The  rate  of  taxation  on  any  arti- 
cle of  merchandise  shall  be  the 
same,  independently  of  the  place  of 
origin,  and  no  tax  imposed  on  an 
article  shall  be  greater  than  that 
imposed  upon  similar  articles  of 
the  State  which  imposes  it. 

Domestic  merchandise  shall  not 
be  compelled  to  follow  any  speci- 
fied route  or  be  inspected  or  exam- 
ined while  on  the  way,  nor  shall 
any  fiscal  document  be  required  to 
allow  said  merchandise  to  freely 
circulate  in  the  interior  of  the 
country. 

Foreign  merchandise  shall  not 
be  burdened  by  the  States  with 
heavier  rates  than  those  consented 
to  by  the  Federal  law. 

XII. 

LAW  OF  OCTOBER  21,  1887. 


El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  Uni-        The    Congress    of    the   United 
dos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de  la     Mexican    States,  in    exercise    of 


90 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 
127  de  la  Constitution  federal,  y 
previa  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
de  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformados  los  articulos  78 
y  109  de  la  misma  Constitucion  en 
estos  terminos: 

Art.  78.  El  Presidente  entrara 
a  ejercer  su  encargo  el  priraero  de 
Diciembre,  y  durara  en  el  cuatro 
anos,  pudiendo  ser  reelecto  para  el 
periodo  constitucional  inmediato; 
pero  quedara  inhabil  en  seguida 
para  ocupar  la  Presidencia  por 
nueva  eleccion,  a  no  ser  que  hubie- 
sen  transcurrido  cuatro  anos,  con- 
tados  desde  el  dm  en  que  ceso  en 
el  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones. 

Art.  109.  Los  Estados  adop- 
taran,  para  su  regimen  interior,  la 
forma  de  gobierno  republicano,  re- 
presentativo,  popular,  y  podran 
establecer  en  sus  respectivas  Cons- 
tituciones  la  reeleccion  de  los  Go- 
bernadores,  conforme  a  lo  que 
previene  el  articulo  78  para  el 
Presidente  de  la  Republica. 

XIII. 


the  power  vested  in  it  by  artice, 
127  of  the  Federal  Constitutionl 
after  having  obtained  the  approval 
of  a  majority  of  the  State  legisla- 
tures, does  hereby  declare  articles 
78  and  109  of  the  Constitution 
amended  as  follows: 

Art.  78.  The  President  shall 
enter  upon  the  discharge  of  the 
duties  of  his  office  on  the  first  of 
December,  and  shall  serve  for  four 
years.  He  may  be  reelected  for  the 
constitutional  period  immediately 
following;  butattheend  thereof  he 
shall  be  disqualified  to  till  the  Pres- 
idency by  further  election,  unless 
four  years  have  elapsed  from  the 
day  on  which  he  ceased  to  exer- 
cise his  functions. 

Art.  109.  The  States  shall 
adopt  for  their  government  a  re- 
publican, representative,  and  pop- 
ular form,  and  they  may  embody 
in  their  respective  constitutions, 
in  regard  to  the  reelection  of  their 
governors  the  provisions  of  article 
78  relating  to  the  President  of  the 
Republic. 

XIII. 


LET  BE  DICIEMBRE  20  DE  1890. 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  Uni- 
dos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de  la 
facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 
127  de  la  Constitucion  federal,  y 
previa  la  aprobacion  unanime  de 
las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformado  el  articulo  78 
de  la  Constitucion  en  estos  termi- 
nos: 

Art.  78.  El  Presidente  en- 
trara k  ejercer  sus  funciones  el 
primero  de  Diciembre,  y  durara  en 
su  encargo  cuatro  anos. 

XIV. 


LAW  OF  DECEMBER  20,  1890. 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States,  in  exercise  of 
the  power  vested  in  it  by  article 
127  of  the  Federal  Constitution, 
after  having  obtained  the  approval 
of  a  majority  of  the  State  legisla- 
tures, does  hereby  declare  article 
78  of  the  Constitution  amended  as 
follows: 

Art.  78.  The  President  shall 
enter  upon  the  duties  of  his  office 
on  the  first  of  December,  and  shall 
serve  four  years. 

XIV. 


LEY  DE  ABBIL  24  DE  1896. 

El  Congreso  de  los  Estados  U  ni- 
dos  Mexicanos,  en  ejercicio  de  la 
facultad  que  le  concede  el  articulo 


LAW  OF  AFBIL  24,  1896. 

The  Congress  of  the  United 
Mexican  States,  in  exercise  of  the 
power  vested  in  it  by  article  127 


AMENDMENTS   TO    CONSTITUTION. 


91 


127  de  la  Constitucion  federal,  y 
previa  la  aprobacion  de  la  mayoria 
de  las  Legislaturas  de  los  Estados, 
declara  reformados  los  articulos 
79,  80,  82  y  83  de  la  Constitucion 
y  adicionado  el  72  de  la  misma,  en 
los  siguientes  terminos: 

Art.  72.  El  Congreso  tiene 
facultad: 

XXXI.  Para  nombrar,  fun- 
cionando  al  efecto  ambas  Camaras 
reunidas,  un  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica,  ya  con  el  caracter  de 
sustituto,  ya  con  el  de  interino,  en 
las  faltas  absolutas  6  temporales 
del  Presidente constitucional.  Asi- 
mismo  la  tiene  para  reemplazar  en 
los  respectivos  casos  y  en  igual 
forma,  tanto  al  sustituto  como  al 
interino,  si  estos  a  su  vez  faltaren. 

XXXII.  Para  calificar  y  deci- 
dir  sobre  la  solicitud  de  licencia 
que  hiciere  el  Presidente  de  la 
Republica. 

Es  facultad  exclusiva  de  la  Ca- 
mara  de  Diputados: 

11.  Calificar  y  decidir  sobre  las 
renuncias  del  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica y  de  los  Magistrados  de  la 
Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia. 

Art.  79.  I.  En  las  faltas  abso- 
lutas del  Presidente,  con  excepcion 
de  la  que  proceda  de  renuncia,  y  en 
las  temporales,  con  excepcion  de  la 
que  proceda  de  licencia,  se  encar- 
gara,  desde  luego  del  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo  el  Secretario  de  Relaciones 
Exteriores,  y  si  no  lo  hubiere,  6 
estuviere  impedido,  el  Secretario 
de  Gobernacion. 

II.  El  Congreso  de  la  Union 
se  reunira  en  sesion  extraordina- 
ria  al  dia  siguiente,  en  el  local  de 
la  Camara  de  Diputados,  con  asis- 
tencia  de  mas  de  la  mitad  del  nu- 
mero  total  de  los  individuos  de 
ambas  Camaras,  f  ungiendo  la  mesa 
de  la  Camara  de  Diputados.  Si 
por  falta  de  quorum,  u  otra  causa 
no  pudiere  verificarse  la  sesion, 
los  presentes  compeleran  diaria- 
mente  a  los  ausentes  conforme  a 
la  ley,  a  fin  de  celebrar  sesion  lo 
mas  pronto  posible. 


of  the  Federal  Constitution,  after 
having  obtained  the  approval  of  a 
majority  of  the  State  legislatures, 
does  hereby  declare  articles  72,  79, 
80,  82,  and  83  of  the  Constitution 
amended  as  follows: 

Art.  72.  The  Congress  has 
power: 

XXXI.  To  appoint,  at  a  joint 
session  of  both  Chambers,  a  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic,  who  shall  act 
in  case  of  absolute,  or  temporary, 
vacancy  of  the  Presidency,  either 
as  a  substitute,  or  as  a  President 
ad  interim.  This  provision  is  ap- 
plicable to  the  case  of  vacancy, 
whether  absolute  or  temporary,  of 
the  substitute  President,  or  of  the 
President  ad  interim. 

XXXII.  To  grant  or  refuse 
leave  of  absence  to  the  President 
of  the  Republic. 

The  Chamber  of  Deputies  has 
exclusive  power: 

II.  To  accept  or  refuse  to  accept 
the  resignations  of  the  President 
of  the  Republic  or  of  the  justices 
of  the  supreme  court. 

Art.  79.  I.  In  case  of  absolute 
vacancy  of  the  Presidency,  except 
when  the  same  is  due  to  resigna- 
tion, and  in  case  of  a  temporary 
vacancy,  unless  when  due  to  a  leave 
of  absence,  the  executive  power 
shall  be  immediately  vested  in  the 
secretary  of  foreign  relations,  and 
if  there  should  be  no  such  official, 
or  should  he  be  ineligible,  in  the 
secretary  of  government. 

II.  The  Congress  of  the  Union 
shall  assemble  in  extra  session  on 
the  day  next  following,  in  the  hall 
of  the  Chamber  of  Deputies,  more 
than  half  of  the  total  number  of 
members  of  both  Chambers  being 
required  to  be  present.  The  Pres- 
ident of  the  Cnamber  of  Deputies 
shall  preside  over  the  meeting,  and 
the  clerk  of  the  same  Chamber  shall 
act  as  secretary.  If,  through  lack 
of  a  quorum  or  other  cause,  the 
meeting  can  not  be  held,  the 
members  present  shall  meet  daily 


92 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


III.  En  esta  sesion  se  elegira 
Presidente  sustituto,  por  raayoria 
absoluta  de  los  presenter  y  en 
votacion  nominal  y  publica,  sin 
que  pueda  discutirse  en  ella  pro- 
posicion  alguna,  ni  hacerse  otra 
cosa  que  recoger  la  votacion,  pu- 
blicarla,  forma r  el  escrutinio  y 
declarar  el  nombre  del  electo. 


IV.  Si  ningun  candidato  hu- 
biere  reunido  la  mayoria  absoluta 
de  los  votos,  se  repetira  la  eleccion 
entre  los  dos  que  tuvieron  mayor 
numero,  y  quedara  electo  el  que 
hubiere  obtenido  dicha  mayoria. 
Si  los  competidores  hubiesen  teni- 
do  igual  numero  de  votos  y  al 
repetirse  la  votacion  se  repitiere 
el  empate,  la  suerte  decidira  quien 
deba  ser  el  electo. 

V.  Si  hay  igual idad  de  sufra- 
gios  en  mas  de  dos  candidates, 
entre  ellos  se  hara  la  votacion; 
pero  si  hubiere  al  mismo  tiempo 
otro  candidato  que  haya  obtenido 
majTor  numero  de  votos,  se  le  ten- 
dra  como  primer  competidor,  y  el 
segundo  se  sacara  por  votacion  de 
entre  los  primeros. 

VI.  Si  no  estuviere  en  sesiones 
el  Congreso,  se  reunira,  sin  necesi- 
dad  de  convocatoria,  el  catorceno 
dia  siguiente  al  de  la  falta,  bajo  la 
direccion  de  la  mesa  de  la  Comi- 
sion  permanente  que  este"  en  fun- 
ciones,  y  procedera  como  queda 
dicho. 

VII.  En  caso  de  falta  absoluta 

Sor  renuncia  del  Presidente,  el 
ongreso  se  reunira  en  la  forma 
expresada  para  nombrar  al  susti- 
tuto, y  la  renuncia  no  surtira  sus 
efectos  sino  hasta  que  quede  hecho 
el  nombramiento  y  el  sustituto 
preste  la  protesta  legal. 


for  the  purpose  of  compelling, 
according  to  law,  the  attendance  of 
the  absent  members,  as  soon  as 
possible. 

III.  In  this  session  a  substitute 
President  shall  be  elected  by  ab- 
solute majority  of  the  members 
present,  the  vote  to  be  nominal 
and  public.  No  measure  of  any 
kind  shall  be  discussed,  and  no 
other  business  shall  be  transacted 
at  this  meeting  than  the  taking, 
publishing,  and  recording  of  the 
vote,  and  the  announcing  of  the 
name  of  the  person  elected. 

IV.  If  no  candidate  receives 
an  absolute  majority  of  votes, 
the  election  shall  be  repeated  be- 
tween the  two  having  the  largest 
number,  and  the  one  obtaining  a 
majority  shall  be  elected.  Should 
the  two  competitors  receive  an 
equal  number  of  votes,  a  second 
vote  shall  be  taken,  and  if  it  also 
results  in  a  tie,  the  election  shall 
be  decided  by  lot. 

V.  If  more  than  two  candi- 
dates receive  the  same  number  of 
votes,  the  choice  shall  be  made  be- 
tween them,  but  should  there  be 
at  the  same  time  another  candidate 
having  a  greater  number  of  votes, 
he  shall  be  considered  the  first 
competitor,  and  the  second  com- 
petitor shall  be  determined  by  a 
vote  between  the  other  candidates. 

VI.  If  Congress  is  not  in  ses- 
sion, it  shall  assemble  without  the 
necessity  of  being  called  to  con- 
vene, on  the  fourteenth  day  after 
the  date  of  the  vacancy.  It  shall 
then  be  presided  over  b}T  the  chair- 
man of  the  permanent  committee, 
and  shall  proceed  as  aforesaid. 

VII.  In  case  of  absolute  va- 
cancy on  account  of  the  resigna- 
tion of  the  President,  Congress 
shall  assemble,  as  indicated,  for  the 
purpose  of  appointing  a  substitute 
President,  ana  the  resignation  shall 
not  take  effect  until  after  the  ap- 
pointment has  been  made  and  the 
Acting  President  has  made  the 
legal  protestation. 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


93 


VIII.  En  cuanto  a  las  faltas 
temporales,  cualquiera  que  sea  su 
causa,  el  Congreso  nombrara  un 
Presidente  interino,  observando 
el  mismo  procedimiento  prescrito 
para  los  casos  de  falta  absoluta. 
Si  el  Presidente  pidiere  licencia, 
propondra  al  hacerlo  al  ciudadano 
que  deba  reemplazarlo,  y  conce- 
dida  que  sea,  no  comenzara  a  surtir 
sus  efectos  sino  hasta  que  el  inte- 
rino haya  protestado,  siendo  facul- 
tativo  por  parte  del  Presidente 
hacer  6  no  uso  de  ella  6  abreviar 
su  duracion.  El  interino  ejercera 
el  cargo  tan  solo  mientras  dure  la 
falta  temporal. 

La  solicitud  de  licencia  se  di- 
rigira  a  la  Camara  de  Diputados, 
la  cual  la  pasara  inmediatamente 
al  estudio  de  su  comision  respec- 
tiva,  citando  a  la  vez  a  la  Camara 
de  Senadores  para  el  siguiente  dia 
a  sesion  extraordinaria  del  Con- 
greso, ante  quien  dicha  comision 
presentara  su  dictamen. 

La  proposicion  con  que  este 
dictamen  concluya,  en  caso  de  ser 
favorable,  comprendera  en  un  solo 
articulo  de  decreto,  que  se  resol- 
vera  por  una  sola  votacion,  el  otor- 
gamiento  de  la  licencia  y  la  apro- 
bacion  del  propuesto. 

IX.  Si  el  dia  aseiialado  por  la 
Constitucion  no  entrare  a  ejercer 
el  cargo  de  Presidente  el  elegido 
por  el  pueblo,  el  Congreso  nom- 
brara desde  luego  Presidente  in- 
terino. Si  la  causa  del  impedi- 
ment© f  uere  transitoria,  el  interino 
cesaraen  las  f  unciones  presidencia- 
les  cuando  cese  dicha  causa  y  se  pre- 
sente  adesempenar  el  cargo  el  Presi- 
dente electo.  Pero  si  la  causa  fuere 
deaquellas  que  producen  imposibi- 
lidad  absoluta,  de  tal  manera  que  el 
Presidente  electo  no  pudiere  entrar 
en  ejercicio  durante  el  cuatrienio, 
el  Congreso,  despues  de  nombrar 
al  Presidente  interino,  convocara 
sin  dilacion  a  elecciones  extraordi- 
narias.     El  Presidente  interino  ce- 


VIII.  In  case  of  temporal  va- 
cancies, whatever  their  cause  may 
be,  Congress  shall  appoint  a  Pres- 
ident ad  interim  following  the 
methods  prescribed  for  cases  of 
absolute  vacancies.  Should  the 
President  request  leave  of  absence, 
he  shall,  on  doing  so,  indicate  the 
person  who  shall  act  in  his  place, 
and  if  the  leave  is  granted,  it  shall 
not  take  effect  until  the  President 
adinterim  shall  have  made  his  pro- 
testation; but  the  President  shall 
have  the  power  of  using  or  not 
using  the  leave,  or  of  shortening 
its  time.  The  President  ad  interim 
shall  only  fill  the  office  as  long  as 
the  absence  lasts. 

The  request  for  a  leave  of  ab- 
sence shall  be  addressed  to  the 
Chamber  of  Deputies,  which  shall 
immediately  refer  it  to  the  proper 
committee,  summoning  at  the  same 
time  the  Senate  to  a  joint  session 
of  Congress  to  be  held  on  the  fol- 
lowing day,  and  the  report  shall 
be  submitted  to  the  joint  session. 

The  recommendation  to  be  made 
in  this  report,  if  favorable  to  the 
petition,  shall  be  drawn  in  the 
form  of  a  decree  of  one  sole  ar- 
ticle, to  be  voted  upon  as  a  whole, 
granting  the  leave  and  the  ap- 
proval of  the  suggested  President 
ad  interim. 

IX.  If  on  the  day  appointed 
by  the  Constitution  the  President 
elected  by  the  people  should  not 
enter  upon  the  performance  of  his 
duties,  Congress  shall  at  once  ap- 
point a  President  ad  interim.  If 
the  cause  of  the  vacancy  is  tempo- 
rary, the  President  ad  interim 
shall  cease  to  perform  the  duties 
of  President  when  said  cause  is 
removed  and  the  President-elect 
appears  for  the  purpose  of  serving 
his  office.  But  if  the  cause  is  one 
of  those  which  create  an  absolute 
vacanc}^,  preventing  the  President- 
elect from  discharging  the  duties 
of  his  office  during  the  term  of  four 
years,  Congress,,  after  appointing 
a  President  ad  interim,  shall,  with- 


94 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


sara  en  el  cargo  tan  luego  como 
proteste  el  nuevo  Presidente  electo, 
quien  terminara  el  periodo  consti- 
tutional. Si  la  acefalia  procediere 
de  que  la  eleccion  no  estuviere 
hecha  6  publicada  el  primero  de 
Diciembre,  se  nombrara  tambien 
Presidente  interino,  el  cual  desem- 
penara  la  Presidencia  mientras  que- 
dan  llenados  esos  requisitos  y  pro- 
teste el  Presidente  electo. 


X.  Las  faltas  del  Presidente 
sustituto  y  las  del  interino  se  cu- 
briran  tambien  de  la  manera  pres- 
crita,  salvo,  respecto  del  segundo, 
el  caso  de  que  el  Presidente  cons- 
titutional, temporalmente  sepa- 
rado,  vuelva  al  ejercicio  de  sus 
funciones. 

Art.  80.  Si  la  falta  del  Presi- 
dente fuere  absoluta,  el  sustituto 
nombrado  por  el  Congreso  termi- 
nara el  periodo  constitucional. 

Art.  82.  Tanto  para  ser  Presi- 
dente sustituto  como  para  ser  Pre- 
sidente interino,  son  indispensa- 
bles  los  requisitos  que  exige  el 
articulo  77. 

Art.  83.  El  Presidente,  al  to- 
mar  posesion  de  su  encargo,  pro- 
testara  ante  el  Congreso  bajo  la 
formula  que  sigue: 

"  Protesto  desempenar  leal  y 
patrioticamente  el  cargo  de  Presi- 
dente de  los  Estados  Unidos  Mexi- 
canos;  guardar  y  hacer  guardar, 
sin  reserva  alguna,  la  Constitucion 
de  mil  ochocientos  cincuenta  y 
siete,  con  todas  sus  adiciones  y 
reformas,  las  leyes  de  reforma  y 
las  demas  que  de  ella  emanen,  mi- 
rando  en  todo  por  el  bien  y  pros- 
peridad  de  la  Union." 


Queda  exceptuado  de  este  re- 
quisite el  Secretario  del  despacho 
que  se  encargue  provisionalmente, 
en  su  caso,  del  Poder  Ejecutivo. 


out  delay,  order  a  special  election 
to  be  held.  The  President  ad  in- 
terim shall  cease  to  fill  the  office  as 
soon  as  the  new  President  makes 
his  protestation.  The  new  Presi- 
dent shall  serve  until  the  expira- 
tion of  the  constitutional  term. 
If  the  vacancy  happens  because 
the  election  was  not  made  or  pub- 
lished on  December  first,  a  Presi- 
dent ad  interim  shall  also  be 
appointed,  who  shall  fill  the  Presi- 
dency until  the  aforesaid  requi- 
sites are  complied  with  and  the 
President-elect  shall  have  entered 
his  promise. 

X.  The  vacancies  of  the  position 
of  substitute  President  and  Presi- 
dent ad  interim  shall  be  filled  in  the 
manner  prescribed,  except  as  to 
the  President  ad  interim,  in  case 
that  the  Constitutional  President, 
temporarily  absent,  should  return 
to  the  exercise  of  his  functions. 

Art.  80.  If  the  vacancy  of  the 
Presidency  should  be  absolute,  the 
substitute  President  appointed  by 
Congress  shall  serve  until  the  end 
of  the  constitutional  period. 

Art.  82.  No  one  shall  be  substi- 
tute President  or  President  ad 
interhn,  who  has  not  the  qualifica- 
tions required  in  art.  77. 

"Art.  83.  The  President,  before 
entering  upon  the  discharge  of  the 
duties  of  his  office,  shall  make  the 
following  promise  in  the  presence 
of  the  Congress: 

"I  do  solemnly  promise  to  per- 
form faithfully  and  conscientiously 
the  duties  of  President  of  the 
United  Mexican  States;  to  observe 
and  cause  others  to  observe,  with- 
out any  reservation  whatever,  the 
Constitution  of  eighteen  hundred 
and  fifty-seven,  with  all  the  amend- 
ments thereto,  the  laws  of  reform, 
and  all  other  laws  emanating  there- 
from, having  always  in  view  the 
welfare  and  prosperity  of  the 
Union." 

The  member  of  the  cabinet  in 
whom  the  executive  power  may  be 
temporarily  vested  is  excepted 
from  this  requisite. 


AMENDMENTS   TO    CONSTITUTION. 


95 


XV. 


XV. 


LET  DE  MAYO  1  DE  1896. 

El  Congreso  general  de  los 
Estados  Unidos  Mexicanos,  de  con- 
formidad  con  lo  dispuesto  en  el 
articulo  127  de  la  Constitucion 
federal,  y  previa  la  aprobacion 
de  todas  las  Legislaturas  de  los 
Estados,  declara  adicionados  y  re- 
formados  los  articulos  111  y  121 
de  la  misma  Constitucion  en  los 
siguientes  terminos: 

Primera.  Se  reforma  la  frac- 
cion  111  del  articulo  111  de  la  Cons- 
titucion federal,  y  se  adiciona  el 
mismo  articulo  en  los  terminos 
siguientes: 

Los  Estados  no  podran: 


LAW  OF  MAY  1,  1896. 

The  general  Congress  of  the 
United  Mexican  States,  in  con- 
formity with  the  provisions  of 
article  127  of  the  Federal  Consti- 
tution, and  after  approval  by  all 
the  legislatures  of  the  States,  here- 
by declares  articles  111  and  124 
of  said  Constitution  amended  as 
follows: 

First.  Section  III  of  Article  111 
of  the  Federal  Constitution  is 
hereby  amended  in  the  following 
terms: 

The  States  shall  have  no 
power — 


III.  Acunar  moneda,  emitir 
papel  moneda,  estampillas  ni  papel 
sellado. 

IV.  Gravar  el  transito  de  per- 
sonas  6  cosas  que  atraviesen  su 
territorio. 

V.  Prohibir  ni  gravar  directa 
ni  indirectamente  la  entrada  a  su 
territorio,  ni  la  salida  de  el,  a 
ninguna  mercancia  nacional  6  ex- 
tranjera. 

VI.  Gravar  la  circulacion  ni  el 
consumo  de  efectos  nacionales  6 
extranjeros,  con  impuestos  6  de- 
rechos  cuya  exaccion  se  efectiie 
por  aduanas  locales,  requiera  ins- 
pection 6  registrodebultos,  6  exija 
documentation  que  acompane  a  la 
mercancia. 

VII.  Expedir  ni  mantener  en 
vigor  leyes  6  disposiciones  fiscales 
que  importen  diferencias  de  im- 
puestos 6  requisitos,  por  razon  de 
la  procedencia  de  mercancias  na- 
cionales 6  extranjeras,  ya  sea  que 
asta  diferencia  se  establezca  res- 
pecto  a  la  production  -similar  de 
la  localidad,  6  ya  entre  produc- 
ciones  semejantes  de  distinta  pro- 
cedencia. 


III.  To  coin  money,  issue  paper 
money,  stamps,  or  stamped  paper. 

IV.  To  levy  a  tax  on  persons  or 
property  passing  through  their 
territory. 

V.  To  prohibit  or  tax,  directly 
or  indirectly,  the  entrance  into 
their  territory  or  the  exit  there- 
from, of  any  merchandise,  foreign 
or  domestic. 

VI.  To  burden  the  circulation 
or  consumption  of  domestic  or  for- 
eign merchandise  with  taxes  or 
duties  to  be  collected  by  local  cus- 
tom-houses, or  subject  to  inspec- 
tion the  said  merchandise  or  re- 
quire it  to  be  accompanied  by 
special  documents. 

VII.  To  enact  or  maintain  in 
force  laws  or  fiscal  regulations 
discriminating  by  means  of  taxa- 
tion or  otherwise,  between  mer- 
chandise, domestic  or  foreign,  on 
account  of  its  origin,  whether 
because  of  similarity  with  the 
local  productions  or  with  similar 
ones  of  different  origin. 


96 


THE    UNITED    MEXICAN    STATES. 


Segunda.  Se  refonna  el  articulo 
124  de  la  Constitucion  Federal  en 
los  terminos  siguientes: 

Akt.  124.  Es  facultad  priva- 
tiva  de  la  Federacion,  gravar  las 
mercancias  que  se  importen  6 
exporten,  6  que  pasen  de  transito 
por  el  territorio  nacional,  asi  como 
reglamentar  en  todo  tiempo  y  aun 
prohibir  por  motivos  de  seguridad 
o  de  policia,  la  circulacion  en  el 
interior  de  la  Republica  de  toda 
clase  de  efectos,  cualquiera  que 
sea  su  procedencia;  pero  sin  que 
la  misma  Federacion  pueda  es- 
tablecer  ni  dictar  en  el  Distrito  y 
Territorios  federates,  los  impues- 
tos  y  leyes  que  expresan  las  frac- 
ciones  VI  v  VII  del  articulo  111. 


Second.  Article  124  of  the  Fed- 
eral Constitution  is  hereby  amend- 
ed as  follows: 

Art.  124.  The  Federation  has 
the  exclusive  power  to  levy  duties 
on  merchandise  imported,  ex- 
ported, or  passing  in  transit 
through  the  national  territorj^,  as 
well  as  to  regulate  at  all  times,  and 
even  forbid,  for  the  sake  of  public 
safety  or  for  police  reasons,  the 
circulation  in  the  interior  of  the 
Republic  of  all  kinds  of  goods, 
regardless  of  their  origin ;  but  the 
Federation  shall  have  no  power 
to  establish  or  enact  in  the  Federal 
District  and  Territories  the  taxes 
and  laws  referred  to  in  clauses  VI 
and  VII  of  Article  111. 


THE  ARGENTINE  NATION. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES. 

The  Argentine  Nation,  commonly  called  the  Argentine  Republic,  is 
a  union  of  Provinces  (or  States),  each  one  of  which  has  its  own  consti- 
tution and  retains  all  the  powers  not  delegated  by  it  to  the  Federal 
Government. 

The  Provinces  are  fourteen,  namely:  Buenos  Aires,  Santa  Fe,  Cor- 
doba, Entre  Rios,  Corrientes,  Tucuman,  Santiago  del  Estero,  Salta, 
Mendoza,  Catamarca,  San  Juan,  San  Luis,  La  Rioja,  and  Jujuy. 

The  declaration  of  independence  of  "The United  Provinces  of  South 
America"  was  made  at  the  city  of  Tucuman  on  July  9,  1816,  in  the 
following  terms: 

We,  the  representatives  of  the  United  Provinces  of  South  America  in  general  con- 
gress assembled,  invoking  the  Eternal  Being  who  presides  over  the  universe,  in  the 
name  and  by  authority  of  the  people  represented  by  us,  protesting  before  heaven, 
the  nations  of  the  earth,  and  all  men  in  the  world,  that  in  this  action  we  are  guided 
by  justice,  do  hereby  solemnly  declare  in  the  face  of  the  world  that  it  is  the  unani- 
mous and  indubitable  will  of  these  Provinces  to  dissolve  the  intolerable  bonds  which 
hitherto  connected  them  with  the  Kings  of  Spain,  to  recover  the  rights  of  which 
they  were  divested,  and  to  clothe  themselves  with  the  high  character  of  a  free  nation, 
independent  of  King  Ferdinand  VII,  his  successors,  and  the  mother  country.  The 
said  Provinces  remain,  therefore,  de  facto  and  dejure,  with  full  and  ample  power  to 
give  themselves  the  government  which  justice  and  the  nature  of  the  circumstances 
may  demand.  So  it  is  published,  declared,  and  ratified  by  all  the  Provinces  gener- 
ally and  by  each  one  in  particular,  said  Provinces  binding  themselves,  through  us, 
to  the  support  and  fulfillment  of  the  present  declaration,  upon  the  security  and 
guaranty  of  their  lives,  property,  and  reputation. 

The  last  Spanish  viceroy  was  Don  Baltasar  Hidalgo  de  Cisne- 
ros, who  entered  upon  the  discharge  of  his  duties  as  such  at  Buenos 
Aires  on  July  30,  1809. 

During  the  seven  years  intervening  between  the  inauguration  of 
Viceroy  Hidalgo  de  Cisneros  and  the  declaration  of  independence, 
the  following  events  must  be  chiefly  remembered: 

1.  The  revolution  of  May  25,  1810,  which  culminated  in  the  resig- 
nation of  Viceroy  Hidalgo  de  Cisneros  and  the  establishment  at 
Buenos  Aires  of  a  "Junta  Provisional." 

2.  The  revolution  of  October  8,  1812,  which  culminated  in  the 
meeting  at  Buenos  Aires,  on  January  31,  1813,  of  a  Congress,  or 
"Asamblea  General  Constituyente,"  which  abolished  slavery,  adopted 
a  national  coat  of  arms  and  a  national  anthem,  provided  for  the  coin- 
age of  national  money,  and  either  repealed  or  amended  various  Spanish 
laws  which  were  then  in  force. 

360a— vol  1—06 7  97 


98  THE    ARGENTINE    NATION. 

3.  The  meeting  of  a  new  Congress  at  Tucuman,  March  24,  1816 
(transferred  to  Buenos  Aires  in  May,  1817),  which  elected  Don  Juan 
Martin  de  Puyrredon  "Director  Supremo"  of  the  Union  (May  3, 
1816)  and  made  the  declaration  of  independence  (July  9,  1816). 

Three  jrears  afterwards  the  Congress  of  Buenos  Aires  framed  the 
political  Constitution  known  by  the  name  of  "Constitution  of  1819," 
which  was  proclaimed  and  sworn  to  on  the  25th  of  May  of  the  same 
year. 

The  constitutional  laws  up  to  that  time  framed  in  the  country  were: 

1.  The  "  Reglamento  de  la  Junta  Conservadora  de  la  autoridad  del 
Senor  Don  Fernando  VII"  (Rules  for  the  Board  created  to  preserve 
the  authority  of  King  Ferdinand  VII),  dated  October  12,  1811. 

2.  The  "  Estatuto  Provisional  del  Gobierno  de  las  Provincias  Unidas 
del  Rio  de  la  Plata  (Provisional  Statute  for  the  Government  of  the 
United  Provinces  of  the  Plata  River),  dated  November  22,  1811. 

3.  The  "  Estatuto  Provisional"  (Provisional  Statute)  of  1815. 

On  the  16th  of  December,  1824,  a  constitutional  convention  (Oon- 
greso  General  Constituyente)  met  at  Buenos  Aires  and  proclaimed  on 
the  23d  of  January  following  a  "fundamental  law,"  declaring  that 
the  Provinces  renewed  their  compact  of  preserving  the  national  inde- 
pendence; that  until  a  Constitution  should  be  framed  and  adopted, 
they  would  rule  themselves  by  laws  of  their  own;  that  the  Constitu- 
tion to  be  framed  should  be  submitted  for  approval  and  ratification  to 
the  Provinces;  and  that  in  the  meantime  the  National  Executive  Power, 
including  the  conducting  of  foreign  relations,  should  be  vested  in  the 
Executive  Department  of  the  Government  of  Buenos  Aires.  It  also 
framed  a  Constitution  which  was  submitted  to  the  Provinces  (1825), 
but  the  majority  thereof  rejected  it. 

Between  1826  and  1851 ,  the  Argentine  nation  had  to  pass  through 
the  ordeals  of  civil  wars,  a  war  with  Brazil,  and  the  Rosas'  dictator- 
ship. The  latter  ended  at  the  battle  of  Monte-Caseros,  12  miles  from 
Buenos  Aires,  on  the  3d  of  February,  1852. 

On  the  1st  of  May,  1853,  a  Constitution  of  federal  character,  having 
for  its  model  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  of  America,  was 
proclaimed  at  Santa  Fe.  Seven  years  later  (September  25,  I860)  this 
Constitution  was  amended  by  a  convention  held  at  the  same  city,  and, 
as  amended,  it  is  the  one  which  ever  since,  save  some  minor  modifi- 
cations, has  been  in  force  in  the  country. 


MST  OF  IMPORTANT  BOOKS  TO  BE  CONSULTED  IN  REFERENCE  TO  THE  CON- 
STITUTION OF  THE  ARGENTINE  NATION. 

Carranza  (ArturoB.  ).     Republica  Argentina.     Constitution  National  y  Constitu- 

ciones  provincialea  vigentes,  comentadas  y  precedidas  de  un  resumen  general. 

Buenos  Aires,  1898. 
Castro  (Maximo)  y  Calandrelli  (  Alcides  V. ).     Nociones  de  Derecho  Constitucional. 

Notas  tomadas  de  las  Conferencias  del  Dr.  A.  del  Valle.     Buenos  Aires,  1895. 
Sarmiento  (Domingo  F. ).     Coinentarios  de  la  Constitution  de  la  Confederation 

Argentina.     1853. 
Arosemena  (Justo).     Estudios  constitucionales  sobre  los  Gobiernos  de  la  America 

latina.     Paris,  1878. 


CONSTITUTION. 

(September  25,  1860. ) 


preambulo. 

Nos,  los  Representantes  del  pue- 
blo de  la  Nation  Argentina,  reuni- 
dos  en  Congreso  General  Consti- 
tuyente  por  voluntad  y  election  de 
las  Provincias  que  la  componen,  en 
cumplimiento  de  pactos  preexis- 
tentes,  con  el  objeto  de  constituir  la 
union  national,  afianzar  la  justicia, 
consolidar  la  paz  interior,  proveer 
a  la  defensa  comun,  promo ver  el 
bienestar  general,  y  asegurar  los 
beneficios  de  la  Libertad,  para 
nosotros,  para  nuestra  posteridad, 
y  para  todos  los  hombres  del 
mundo  que  quieran  habitar  en  el 
suelo  argentino:  invocando  la  pro- 
tection de  Dios,  fuente  de  toda 
razon  y  justicia:  ordenamos,  de- 
cretamos  y  establecemos  esta  Cons- 
titution, para  la  Nation  Argen- 
tina. 

PEIMERA  PARTE. 
CAPfTULO   UNICO. 

Declaraciones,  derechos  y 
garantias. 

ArtIculo  1.  La  Nation  Argen- 
tina adopta  para  su  Gobierno  la 
forma  representativa  republicana 
federal,  segun  lo  establece  la 
presente  Constitution. 

Art.  2.  El  Gobierno  Federal 
sostiene  el  culto  Catolico  Apos- 
tolico  Romano. 

Art.  3.  Las  autoridades  que 
ejercen  el  Gobierno  Federal,  resi- 


PREAMBLE. 

We,  the  representatives  of  the 
people  of  the  Argentine  Nation, 
assembled  in  constitutional  con- 
vention by  the  will  and  election  of 
the  Provinces  of  which  it  is  com- 
posed, in  pursuance  of  previous 
agreements,  for  the  purpose  of 
framing  a  Constitution  for  the 
National  Union,  to  establish  jus- 
tice, insure  domestic  peace,  provide 
for  the  common  defense,  promote 
the  general  welfare,  and  secure  the 
benefits  of  liberty  to  ourselves,  our 
posterity,  and  to  all  men  in  the 
world  who  may  desire  to  inhabit 
the  Argentine  soil,  invoking  the 
protection  of  God,  the  source  and 
origin  of  all  reason  and  justice,  do 
hereby  ordain,  decree,  and  estab- 
lish this  Constitution  for  the  Ar- 
gentine Nation. 

PART  PIRST. 
SOLE    CHAPTER. 

Declarations,  rights,  and 
guaranties. 

Article  1.  The  Argentine  Na- 
tion adopts  for  its  government  the 
Federal  republican  representative 
form,  as  established  by  this  Con- 
stitution. 

Art.  2.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment supports  the  Roman  Cath- 
olic Apostolic  Church. 

Art.  3.  The  authorities  exer- 
cising   the  Federal    Government 

99 


100 


THE    ARGENTINE    NATION. 


den  en  la  ciudad  que  se  declare 
Capital  de  la  Republica  por  una 
ley  especial  del  Congreso,  previa 
cesion  hecha  por  una  6  mas  Legis- 
latures Provinciales,  del  territorio 
que  ha}Ta  de  federalizarse." 


Art.  4.  El  Gobierno  Federal 
provee  a  los  gastos  de  la  Nacion 
con  los  fondos  del  Tesoro  nacional, 
formado  del  producto  de  derechos 
de  irnportacion  y  exportacion 
hasta  mil  ochocientos  sesenta  y  sets, 
co?)  arreglo  d  lo  estatuido  en  el  in- 
cixo  1  del  articulo  67; b  del  de  la 
venta  6  locacion  de  tierras  de  pro- 
piedad  nacional;  de  la  renta  de 
Correos;  de  las  demas  contribu- 
ciones  que  equitativa  y  propor- 
cionalmente  a  la  poblacion  im- 
ponga  el  Congreso  General,  y  de 
los  emprestitos  y  operaciones  de 
credito  que  decrete  el  mismo  Con- 
greso para  urgencias  de  la  Nacion 
o  para  empresas  de  utilidad  na- 
cional. 

Art.  5.  Cada  Provincia  dictara 
para  si  una  Constitucion  bajo  el 
sistema  representative  republi- 
cano,  de  acuerdo  con  los  prin- 
cipios,  declaraciones  y  garantias  de 
la  Constitucion  nacional;  y  que 
asegure  su  administracion  de  jus- 
ticia,  su  regimen  municipal,  y 
la  educacion  primaria.  Bajo  de 
estas  condiciones,  el  Gobierno  Fe- 
deral garantiza  si  cada  Provincia  el 
goce  y  ejercicio  de  sus  institu- 
ciones. 


Art.  6.  El  Gobierno  Federal 
interviene  en  el  territorio  de  las 
Provincias  para  garantir  la  forma 
republica na  de  Gobierno,  6  repeler 
invasiones  exteriores,  y  a  requisi- 
cion  de  sus  autoridades  constitui- 


shall  reside  in  the  city  which  shall 
be  declared  b}T  special  act  of  Con- 
gress to  be  the  capital  of  the  Re- 
public, a  proper  cession  of  the 
territory  which  shall  become  fed- 
eral, being  previously  made  by  one 
or  more  of  the  provincial  legisla- 
tures.0 

Art.  4.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment shall  defray  the  expenses  of 
the  Nation  with  funds  of  the  na- 
tional treasury,  consisting  of: 
receipts  from  import  and  export 
duties;  duties  to  be  levied  until 
1866  on  the  exports  of  domestic 
merchandise  as  provided  in  para- 
graph No.  1  of  article  67  of  the 
present  Constitution;  b  proceeds  of 
the  sale  or  lease  of  national  lands; 
yieldings  of  the  postal  service; 
taxes  levied  b}^  the  general  Con- 
gress equitably  and  in  proportion 
to  the  population ;  and  moneys  ob- 
tained through  loans  and  financial 
operations  decreed  by  Congress 
for  urgent  national  necessities,  or 
for  works  of  national  utilit}7. 

Art.  5.  Each  Province  shall 
have  its  own  constitution  providing 
for  the  administration  of  justice 
in  its  own  territory,  its  municipal 
regime,  and  primary  instruction, 
said  constitution  to  be  framed 
upon  the  basis  of  a  republican  rep- 
resentative system  of  government, 
and  in  harmon}r  with  the  princi- 
ples, declarations,  and  guaranties 
of  the  National  Constitution. 
Upon  these  conditions,  the  Fed- 
eral Government  guarantees  to 
each  Province  the  exercise  and  en- 
joyment of  its  own  institutions. 

Art.  6.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment shall  have  the  right  to  inter- 
vene for  the  preservation  in  the 
territory  of  the  Provinces  of  the 
republican  form  of  government  or 
for    repelling    foreign    invasion; 


«A  law  promulgated  September  21,  1880,  established  the  national  capital  in  the  city 
of  Buenos  Aires,  ceded  by  the  legislature  of  the  State  of  the  same  name. 

6The  words  printed  in  italics  were  ordered  to  be  stricken  out  by  the  national  con- 
vention held  at  Santa  Fe  on  September  12,  1866. 


CONSTITUTION. 


101 


das  para  sostenerlas  6  restablecer- 
las,  si  hubiesen  sido  depuestas  por 
la  sedicion,  6  por  invasion  de  otra 
Provincia. 

Art.  7.  Los  actos  publicos  y 
procedimientos  judiciales  de  una 
Provincia  gozan  de  entera  fe  en 
las  deinas;  y  el  Congreso  puede 
por  leyes  generates  determinar 
cual  sera  la  forma  probatoria  de 
estos  actos  y  procedimientos,  y  los 
efectos  legales  que  produciran. 

Art.  8.  Los  ciudadanos  de  cada 
Provincia  gozan  de  todos  los  dere- 
chos,  privilegios  e  inmunidades 
inherentes  al  titulo  de  ciudadano 
en  las  demas.  La  extradicion  de 
los  criminales  es  de  obligacion  re- 
ciproca  entre  todas  las  Provincias. 

Art.  9.  En  todo  el  territorio  de 
la  Naci6n  no  habra  mas  aduanas 
que  las  nacionales,  en  las  cuales  re- 
giran  las  tarifas  que  sancione  el 
Congreso. 

Art.  10.  En  el  interior  de  la 
Republica  es  libre  de  derechos  la 
circulacion  de  los  efectos  de  pro- 
duction 6  fabricacion  nacional,  asi 
como  la  de  los  generos  y  mercan- 
cias  de  todas  clases,  despachadas 
en  las  aduanas  exteriores. 

Art.  11.  Los  articulos  de  pro- 
duction 6  fabricacion  nacional  6 
extranjera,  asi  como  los  ganados 
de  toda  especie,  que  pasen  por  te- 
rritorio de  una  provincia  a  otra, 
seran  libres  de  los  derechos  llama- 
dos  de  transito,  siendolo  tambien 
los  carruajes,  buques  6  bestias  en 
que  se  transporten;  y  ningun  otro 
derecho  podra  imponerseles  en 
adelante,  cualquiera  que  sea  su 
denomination,  por  el  hecho  de 
transitar  el  territorio. 

Art.  12.  Los  buques  destinados 
de  una  Provincia  a  otra,  no  seran 
obligados  a  entrar,  anclar  y  pagar 
derechos  por  causa  de  transito; 
sin  que  en  ningun  caso  puedan 
concederse     preferencias     a     un 


and,  when  requested  by  the  pro- 
vincial authorities,  for  maintaining 
them  in  power,  or  reestablishing 
them  if  deposed  by  sedition  or  by 
invasion  from  another  Province. 

Art.  7.  Full  credit  shall  be  given 
in  each  Province  to  the  public  acts 
and  judicial  records  of  all  the 
others;  and  Congress  shall  have 
the  power  to  provide  by  general 
laws  how  said  acts  and  records 
shall  be  proved,  and  what  legal 
effects  they  shall  produce. 

Art.  8.  The  citizens  of  each 
Province  shall  enjoy  in  all  the 
others  the  rights,  privileges,  and 
immunities  inherent  to  citizenship. 
The  extradition  of  criminals  is 
reciprocally  obligatory  in  all  the 
Provinces. 

Art.  9.  All  custom-houses  in 
the  Argentine  territory  shall  be 
national,  and  governed  by  the  tariff 
laws  enacted  by  Congress. 

Art.  10.  The  circulation  in  the 
interior  of  the  Republic  of  articles 
which  are  the  product  or  manu- 
facture of  the  Nation,  and  of 
goods  and  merchandise  of  all 
classes  introduced  into  the  country 
through  the  national  custom- 
houses, shall  be  free  from  duties. 

Art.  11.  Articles  of  national  or 
foreign  production  or  manufac- 
ture, and  cattle  of  all  kinds,  when 
passing  from  the  territory  of  one 
Province  into  the  territory  of  an- 
other shall  be  exempted  from 
transit  duties.  The  same  freedom 
shall  be  enjoyed  by  the  carriages, 
ships,  or  beasts  used  for  their 
transportation,  and  no  other  duty, 
whatever  its  name  may  be,  shall 
be  levied  upon  said  articles  and 
vehicles  for  the  mere  fact  of  their 
transit  through  the  territory. 

Art.  12.  Vessels  bound  from 
one  Province  to  another  shall  not  be 
compelled  to  enter,  cast  anchor  and 
pay  duties  on  account  of  transit, 
and  in  no  case  shall  an}T  preference 
be  given   by  law  or  commercial 


102 


THE   ARGENTINE    NATION. 


puerto  respecto  de  otro,  por  medio 
de  leyes  6  reglamentos  de  comercio. 
Art.  13.  Podran  admitirse  nue- 
vas  Provincias  en  la  Nacion;  pero 
no  podra  erigirse  una  Provmeia 
en  el  territorio  de  otra  u  otras,  ni 
de  varias  formarse  una  sola,  sin  el 
consentimiento  de  la  Legislatura 
de  las  Provincias  interesadas  y  del 
Congreso. 

Art.  14.  Todos  los  habitantes 
de  la  Nacion  gozan  de  los  siguien- 
tes  derechos  conforme  a  las  leyes 
que  reglamenten  su  ejercicio,  a 
saber:  de  trabajar  y  ejercer  toda 
industria  licita;  de  navegar  y 
comerciar;  de  peticionar  a  las  au- 
toridades;  de  entrar,  permanecer, 
transitar  y  salir  del  territorio  ar- 
gentino;  de  publicar  sus  ideas  por 
la  prensa  sin  censura  previa;  de 
usar  y  disponer  de  su  propiedad; 
de  asociarse  con  fines  utiles;  de 
profesar  libremente  su  culto;  de 
ensenar  y  aprender. 


Art.  15.  En  la  Nacion  Argen- 
tina no  hay  esclavos;  los  pocos  que 
hoy  existen  quedan  libres  desde  la 
jura  de  esta  Constitucion;  y  una 
ley  especial  reglara  las  indemniza- 
ciones  a  que  de  lugar  esta  decla- 
racion.  Todo  contrato  de  compra 
y  venta  de  personas  es  un  crimen 
de  que  seran  responsables  los  que 
lo  celcbrasen,  y  el  escribano  6 
f  uncionario  que  lo  autorice.  Y  los 
esclavos  que  de  cualquier  modo  se 
introduzcan,  quedan  libres  por  el 
solo  hecho  de  pisar  el  territorio  de 
la  Republica. 


Art.  16.  La  Nacion  Argentina 
no  admite  prerrogativas  de  sangre, 
ni  de  nacimiento:  no  hay  en  ella 
fueros  personales,  ni  titulos  de 
nobleza.  Todos  sus  habitantes 
son  iguales  ante  la  ley,  y  admisi- 


regulations  to  one  port  over  an- 
other. 

Art.  13.  New  Provinces  may 
be  admitted  into  the  Nation,  but 
no  new  Province  shall  be  erected 
within  the  territory  of  another,  nor 
shall  two  or  more  Provinces  be 
consolidated  into  one,  without  the 
consent  of  the  legislatures  of  the 
interested  Provinces  and  of  Con- 
gress. 

Art.  14.  All  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Nation  shall  enjoy,  subject  to 
the  laws  regulating  their  exercise, 
the  right  to  work  and  engage  in 
lawful  industry;  the  right  to  navi- 
gate and  engage  in  commerce;  the 
right  to  petition  the  authorities; 
the  right  to  enter  the  Argentine 
territory,  remain  in  it,  travel 
through  it,  or  leave  it;  the  right 
to  publish  their  own  ideas  through 
the  press  without  previous  censor- 
ship; the  right  to  use  and  dispose 
of  their  own  property;  the  right 
to  associate  themselves  for  useful 
purposes;  the  right  to  freely  pro- 
fess their  religion,  and  the  right 
to  teach  and  to  learn. 

Art.  15.  There  shall  be  no  slaves 
in  the  Argentine  Nation.  Those 
few  now  existing  in  it  shall  be- 
come free  at  the  very  moment  in 
which  this  Constitution  shall  be 
sworn  to.  The  indemnifications 
which  may  have  to  be  paid  in  con-, 
sequence  of  this  declaration  shall 
be  regulated  by  special  law.  Con- 
tracts involving  the  purchase  or 
sale  of  persons  are  criminal  acts, 
for  which  the  contracting  parties, 
as  well  as  the  notary  or  official 
before  whom  the}'  are  executed, 
shall  be  made  responsible.  Slaves 
introduced  in  any  way  whatever 
into  the  country  shall  become  free 
by  the  mere  fact  of  their  treading 
upon  the  territory  of  the  Republic. 

Art.  16.  The  Argentine  Nation 
does  not  recognize  prerogatives  of 
blood  or  birth,  personal  privileges, 
or  titles  of  nobility.  All  its  in- 
habitants are  equal  before  the  law, 
and  their  eligibility  to  office  shall 


CONSTITUTION. 


103 


bles  en  los  empleos  sin  otra  condi- 
cion  que  la  idoneidad.  La  igualdad 
es  la  base  del  impuesto  y  de  las 
cargas  piiblicas. 

Art.  17.  La  propiedad  es  invio- 
lable, y  ningun  habitante  de  la 
Nacion  puede  ser  privado  de  ella, 
sino  en  virtud  de  sentencia  fun- 
dada  en  ley.  La  expropiacion  por 
causa  de  utilidad  publica,  debe  ser 
calificada  por  ley  y  previamente 
indemnizada.  Solo  el  Congreso 
impone  las  contribuciones  que  se 
expresan  en  el  articulo  4.  Ningun 
servicio  personal  es  exigible,  sino 
en  virtud  de  ley  6  de  sentencia 
fundada  en  ley.  Todo  autor  6  in- 
ventor es  propietario  exclusivo  de 
su  obra,  invento  6  descubrimiento, 

f)or  el  termino  que  le  acuerde  la 
ey.  La  confiscacion  de  bienes 
queda  borrada  para  siempre  del 
Codigo  penal  argentine  Ningun 
cuerpo  armado  puede  hacer  requi- 
siciones,  ni  exigir  auxilios  de  nin- 
guna  especie. 

Art.  18.  Ningun  habitante  de 
la  Nacion  puede  ser  penado  sin 
juicio  previo  fundado  en  ley  ante- 
rior al  hecho  del  proceso,  ni  juz- 
gado  por  comisiones  especiales,  6 
sacado  de  los  jueces  designados 
por  la  ley  antes  del  hecho  de  la 
causa.  Nadie  puede  ser  obligado 
a  declarar  contra  si  mismo;  ni 
arrestado  sino  en  virtud  de  orden 
escrita  de  autoridad  competente. 
Es  inviolable  la  defensa  en  juicio 
de  la  persona  j  de  los  derechos. 
El  domicilio  es  inviolable,  como 
tambien  la  correspondencia  episto- 
lar  y  los  papeles  privados;  y  una 
ley  determinara  en  que  casos  y  con 
que  justificativos  podra  procederse 
a  su  allanamiento  y  ocupacion. 
Quedan  abolidos  para  siempre  la 
pena  de  muerte  por  causas  politi- 
cas,  toda  especie  de  tormento  y  los 
azotes.  Las  carceles  de  la  Nacion 
seran  sanas  y  limpias,  para  seguri- 
dad  y  no  para  castigo  de  los  reos 
detenidos  en  ellas,  y  toda  medida 


depend  exclusively  upon  their  fit- 
ness. Equality  is  the  basis  of 
taxation  and  of  all  public  burdens. 

Art.  17.  Private  property  is  in- 
violable, and  no  inhabitant  of  the 
Nation  shall  be  deprived  of  it  ex- 
cept by  judicial  decision  founded 
on  law.  Condemnation  of  prop- 
erty for  public  use  shall  be  regu- 
lated by  law,  and  the  payment  of 
the  indemnification  shall  be  pre- 
viously made.  Congress  alone 
shall  have  the  power  to  impose  the 
taxes  referred  to  in  article  4.  No 
personal  service  shall  be  required 
of  anyone,  except  when  ordered 
by  law  or  by  judicial  decision 
founded  on  law.  Authors  or  in- 
ventors are  the  exclusive  owners 
of  their  works,  inventions,  or  dis- 
coveries, for  the  length  of  time 
established  by  law.  Confiscation 
of  property  is  forever  stricken  out 
of  the  Argentine  penal  code.  No 
armed  body  can  make  requisitions 
or  demand  assistance  of  any  kind. 

Art.  18.  No  inhabitant  of  the 
Nation  can  be  punished  except 
upon  trial  and  conviction,  under 
laws  anterior  in  date  to  the  offense; 
neither  shall  he  be  tried  by  special 
commissions,  or  removed  from 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  courts, 
which,  under  the  laws  in  force  at 
the  time  in  which  the  offense  was 
committed,  should  take  cognizance 
of  his  case.  No  one  shall  be  com- 
pelled to  testify  against  himself; 
neither  can  anyone  be  arrested  ex- 
cept by  an  order  in  writing  of  the 
proper  authority.  The  defense  of 
persons  and  rights  before  the 
courts  is  inviolable.  Domicile  as 
well  as  private  correspondence  and 
papers  are  inviolable;  but  a  law 
shall  determine  in  which  cases  and 
upon  which  evidence  the  former 
can  be  entered,  and  the  latter 
seized.  The  penalty  of  death  for 
political  offenses,  torture  of  all 
kinds,  and  whipping  are  abolished. 
The  national  jails  shall  be  healthy 


104 


THE    ARGENTINE    NATION. 


que  a  pretexto  de  precaution  con- 
auzca  a  mortificarlos  mas  alia  de 
lo  que  aquella  exija,  hara  responsa- 
ble  al  Juez  que  la  autorice. 


Art.  19.  Las  acciones  privadas 
de  los  hombres  que  de  ningun 
modo  ofendan  al  orden  y  a  la 
moral  piiblica,  ni  perjudiquen  a 
un  tercero,  estan  solo  reservadas 
a  Dios,  y  exentas  de  la  autoridad 
de  los  Magistrados.  Ningun  babi- 
tante  de  la  Nation  sera  obligado  a 
hacer  lo  que  no  manda  la  ley,  ni 
privado  de  lo  que  ella  no  prohibe. 

Art.  20.  Los  extranjeros  gozan 
en  el  territorio  de  la  Nation  de 
todos  los  derechos  civiles  del  ciu- 
dadano;  pueden  ejercer  su  indus- 
tria,  comercio  y  prof  esion ;  poseer 
bienes  raices,  comprarlos  y  ena- 
jenarlos;  navegarlos  riosy  costas; 
ejercer  libremente  su  culto;  testar 
y  casarse  con  forme  a  las  leyes. 
No  estan  obligados  a  admitir  la 
ciudadania,  ni  a  pagar  contribu- 
ciones  forzosas  extraordinarias. 
Obtienen  nationalization  residien- 
do  dos  afios  continuos  en  la  Na- 
cion; pero  la  autoridad  puede 
acortar  este  termino  a  favTor  del 
que  lo  solicite,  alegando  y  pro- 
bando  servicios  a  la  Republica. 


Art.  21.  Todo  ciudadano  argen- 
tino  esta  obligado  a  armarse  en 
defensa  de  la  Patria  y  de  esta 
Constitution,  conforme  a,  las  leyes 
que  al  efecto  dicte  el  Congreso  y 
a  los  decretos  del  Ejecutivo  Na- 
tional. Los  ciudadanos  por  natu- 
ralization son  libres  deprestar  6  no 
este  servicio  por  el  termino  de  diez 
anos  contados  desde  el  dia  en  que 
obtengan  su  carta  de  ciudadania. 

Art.  22.  El  pueblo  no  delibera 
ni  gobiema,  sino  por  medio  de  sus 
representantes  y  autoridades  crea- 


and  clean,  intended  for  the  safe- 
keeping and  not  for  the  punish- 
ment of  the  prisoners,  and  any 
measure  which,  under  color  of 
precaution,  inflicts  upon  the  pris- 
oners more  hardships  than  those 
required  for  their  security  shall 
cause  the  court  authorizing  it  to  be 
held  responsible. 

Art.  19.  Private  actions  which 
in  no  way  offend  public  order  or 
morals,  or  are  not  injurious  to  a 
third  party,  are  reserved  to  God 
alone,  and  exempted  from  all 
action  of  the  constituted  authority. 
No  inhabitant  of  the  Nation  shall 
be  bound  to  do  what  is  not  ordered 
by  law,  nor  shall  he  be  forbidden 
to  do  what  it  does  not  prohibit. 

Art.  20.  Aliens  shall  enjoy  in 
the  territory  of  the  Nation  the  same 
civil  rights  as  are  vested  in  the  citi- 
zens; they  shall  be  allowed  to  en- 
gage in  industrial,  commercial,  and 
Erofessional  occupations;  to  own, 
old,  and  sell  real  estate;  to  navi- 
gate the  rivers  and  travel  along  the 
coasts;  to  practice  freely  their  reli- 
gion; to  dispose  of  their  property 
by  will,  and  to  contract  marriage 
according  to  the  laws.  They  are 
not  bound  to  become  citizens  or  to 
pay  forced  extraordinary  taxes. 
They  may  obtain  naturalization  by 
residing  two  consecutive  years  in 
the  Republic,  but  this  period  of 
time  can  be  shortened  upon  appli- 
cation and  proof  that  the  applicant 
has  rendered  services  to  the  Re- 
public. 

Art.  21.  Every  Argentine  citi- 
zen is  bound  to  do  military  serv- 
ice in  defense  of  his  country  and 
of  the  present  Constitution,  in  the 
manner  and  form  which  may  be 
provided  by  laws  of  Congress  or 
decrees  of  the  National  Executive. 
Citizens  bj'  naturalization  are  free 
to  render  or  refuse  military  serv- 
ice during  the  ten  years  following 
the  day  of  their  naturalization. 

Art.  22.  The  people  do  not  de- 
liberate, or  exercise  the  powers  of 
government,  except  through  their 


CONSTITUTION. 


105 


das  por  esta  Constitucion.  Toda 
fuerza  armada  6  reunion  de  per- 
sonas  que  se  atribuya  los  dereehos 
del  pueblo  y  peticione  a  nombre 
de  este,  comete  delito  de  sedicion. 


Akt.  23.  En  caso  de  conmocion 
interior  6  de  ataque  exterior  que 
pongan  en  peligro  el  ejercicio  de 
esta  Constitucion  y  de  las  autori- 
dadescreadas  por  ella,  se  declarara, 
en  estado  de  sitio  la  Provincia  6 
territorio  en  donde  exista  la  per- 
turbacion  del  orden,  quedando 
suspensas  alii  las  garantias  consti- 
tucionales.  Pero  durante  esta  sus- 
pension no  podra  el  Presidentede  la 
Republica  condenar  por  si,  ni  apli- 
car  penas.  Su  poder  se  limitara  en 
tal  caso  respecto  de  las  personas,  a 
arrestarlas  6  trasladarlas  de  un 
punto  a  otro  de  la  Nacion,  si  ellas 
no  preh'riesen  salir  f  uera  del  terri- 
torio argentino. 


Akt.  24.  El  Congreso  promo- 
vera  la  reforma  de  la  actual  legis- 
lacion  en  todos  sus  ramos,  y  el 
establecimiento  del  juicio  por 
jurados. 

Art.  25.  El  Gobienno  Federal 
fomentara  la  inmigracion  europea; 
y  no  podra  restringir,  limitar  ni 
gravar  con  impuesto  alguno  la  en- 
trada  en  el  territorio  argentino  de 
los  extranjeros  que  traigan  por 
objeto  labrar  la  tierra,  mejorar  las 
industrias,  e*  introducir  y  ensenar 
las  ciencias  y  las  artes. 


Art.  26.  La  navegacion  de  los 
rios  interiores  de  la  Nacion  es  libre 
para  todas  las  banderas,  con  suje- 
cion  unicamente  a  los  reglamentos 
que  dicte  la  Autoridad  Nacional. 

Art.  27.  El  Gobierno  Federal 
esta  obligado  a  afianzar  sus  rela- 
ciones  de  paz  y  comercio  con  las 
potencias  extranjeras  por  medio  de 
tratados  que  esten  en  conform idad 


representatives  and  the  authori- 
ties created  by  this  Constitution. 
Any  armed  force  or  gathering  of 
persons  assuming  to  be  vested 
with  the  representation  of  the 
rights  of  the  people  and  petition- 
ing in  their  behalf  shall  be  guilty 
of  sedition. 

Art.  23.  In  case  of  domestic 
disturbance  or  foreign  attack,  en- 
dangering the  observance  of  this 
Constitution  and  the  safety  of  the 
authorities  created  by  it,  a  state  of 
siege  shall  be  proclaimed  in  the 
Province  or  territory  wherein  pub- 
lic order  is  disturbed,  and  the  con- 
stitutional guaranties  shall  be  sus- 
pended within  its  limits.  But 
during  this  suspension  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic  shall  have 
no  power  by  himself  to  condemn 
any  one  or  inflict  punishments. 
His  power  shall  be  limited  in  such 
cases,  so  far  as  the  persons  engaged 
in  the  affair  are  concerned,  to  cause 
them  to  be  arrested  or  removed 
to  some  other  section  of  the  coun- 
try, should  they  not  prefer  to  leave 
the  Argentine  territory. 

Art.  24.  Congress  shall  pro- 
mote the  reform  of  the  laws  which 
are  now  in  force,  and  the  estab- 
lishment of  trials  by  jury. 

Art.  25.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment shall  encourage  European 
immigration,  and  shall  not  restrict, 
limit,  or  obstruct,  by  taxation  of 
any  kind,  the  entrance  into  the 
Argentine  territory  of  foreigners 
coming  to  it  for  the  purpose  of  en- 
gaging in  the  cultivation  of  the 
soil,  the  improvement  of  industrial 
business,,  or  the  introduction  and 
teaching  of  arts  and  sciences. 

Art.  26.  Navigation  on  the  riv- 
ers in  the  interior  of  the  Republic 
is  free  to  all  flags  and  subject  to  no 
other  regulations  than  those  pro- 
claimed by  the  national  authority. 

Art.  27.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment shall  be  bound  to  strengthen, 
by  means  of  treaties  consistent 
with  the  principles  of  public  law 
established  by  this  Constitution, 


106 


THE   ARGENTINE    NATION. 


con  los  principios  de  Derecho  pu- 
blico establecidos  en  esta  Constitu- 


cion. 


Art.  28.  Los  principios,  garan- 
tias  y  derechos  reconocidos  en  los 
anteriores  articulos,  no  podran  ser 
alterados  por  las  leyes  que  regla- 
menten  su  ejercicio. 

Art.  29.  El  Congreso  no  puede 
conceder  al  Ejecutivo  Nacional, 
ni  las  Legislaturas  Provinciales  a 
los  Gobernadores  de  Provincias, 
facultades  extraordinarias,  ni  la 
suma  del  Poder  Publico,  ni  otor- 
garles  sumisiones  6  supremacias, 
por  las  que  la  vida,  el  honor  6  las 
fortunas  de  los  argentinos  queden 
a  merced  de  gobiernos  6  persona 
alguna.  Actos  de  esta  naturaleza 
llevan  consigo  una  nulidad  insa- 
nable,  y  sujetaran  a  los  que  los  for- 
mulen,  consientan  6  firmen,  a  la 
responsabilidad  y  pena  de  los  in- 
fames  traidores  a  la  Patria. 


Art.  30.  La  Constitucion  puede 
reformarse  en  el  todo  6  en  cual- 
quiera  de  sus  partes.  La  necesi- 
dad  de  reforma  debe  ser  declarada 
por  el  Congreso  con  el  voto  de  dos 
terceras  partes,  al  menos,  de  sus 
miembros;  pero  no  se  efectuara 
sino  por  una  Convencion  convoca- 
da  al  efecto. 

Art.  31.  Esta  Constitucion,  las 
leyes  de  la  Nacion  que  en  su  con- 
secuencia  se  dicten  por  el  Congreso 
y  los  tratados  con  las  potencias 
extranjeras  son  la  ley  suprema  de 
la  Nacion;  y  las  autoridades  de 
cada  Provincia  estan  obligadas  a 
conformarse  a  ella,  no  obstante 
cualquiera  disposicion  en  contrario 
que  contengan  las  leyes  6  Consti- 
tuciones  provinciales,  salvo  para 
la  Provincia  de  Buenos  Aires,  los 
tratados  ratificados  despues  del 
Pacto  de  11  de  Noviembre  de  1859. 

Art.  32.  El  Congreso  Federal 
no  dictara  leyes  que  restrinjan  la 


the  commercial  and  peaceful  rela- 
tions of  the  Argentine  Nation  with 
all  foreign  countries. 

Art.  28.  No  principle,  guar- 
anty, or  right  recognized  in  the 
foregoing  articles  shall  be  altered 
by  any  law  which  may  be  enacted 
to  regulate  their  exercise. 

Art.  29.  Neither  Congress,  nor 
the  provincial  legislatures,  shall 
ever  have  the  power  to  grant  to 
the  national  Exucutive  or  to  any 
provincial  governor,  extraordi- 
nary faculties,  or  the  whole  of  the 
public  authority,  or  give  them 
faculty  to  accept  submission  or 
supremac}^  through  which  the 
lives,  the  honor,  or  the  property 
of  Argentines  may  be  placed  at  the 
mercy  of  governments,  or  of  any 
person  whatsoever.  Acts  of  this 
character  shall  be  utterly  void,  and 
render  their  authors,  or  those  who 
consent  to  them  or  authorize  them 
with  their  signatures,  liable  to  be 
tried  and  punished  as  infamous 
traitors  to  their  country. 

Art.  30.  The  Constitution  can 
be  amended  either  wholly  or  in 
part.  The  necessity  for  such 
amendment  shall  be  declared  by 
Congress,  by  a  vote  of  at  least 
two-thirds  of  its  members;  but  the 
amendment  itself  shall  not  be 
made  except  by  a  convention  called 
to  meet  for  that  purpose. 

Art.  31.  The  present  Constitu- 
tion, the  national  laws  which  i  n  pur- 
suance thereof  may  be  enacted  by 
Congress,  and  the  treaties  with 
foreign  Powers  are  the  supreme 
law  of  the  Nation;  and  the  pro- 
vincial authorities  shall  be  bound 
to  abide  by  them,  any  provision 
in  their  own  provincial  constitu- 
tion or  laws  to  the  contrary  not- 
withstanding. This  rule  is  not  ap- 
plicable to  the  province  of  Buenos 
Ayres,  in  so  far  as  the  treaties  rati- 
fied after  the  compact  of  the  11th 
of  November,  1859,  are  concerned. 

Art.  32.  The  Federal  Congress 
shall  not  pass  any  law  restricting 


CONSTITUTION. 


107 


libertad  de  imprenta  6  establezcan 
sobre  ella  la  jurisdiccion  federal. 
Art.  33.  Las  declaraciones,  de- 
rechos  y  garantias  que  enumera  la 
Constitucion,  no  seran  entendidos 
como  negacion  de  otros  derechos 
y  garantias  no  enumerados,  pero 
que  nacen  del  principio  de  la  so- 
berania  del  pueblo  y  de  la  forma 
republicana  de  gobierno. 


Art.  34.  Los  Jueces  de  las 
Cortes  Federates  no  podran  serlo 
al  mismo  tiempo  de  los  Tribunales 
de  Provincia,  ni  el  servicio  Fede- 
ral, tanto  en  lo  civil  como  en  lo 
militar,  da  residencia  en  la  Provin- 
cia en  que  se  ejerza,  y  que  no  sea 
la  del  domicilio  habitual  del  em- 
pleado,  entendiendose  esto  para  los 
efectos  de  optar  a  empleos  en  la 
Provincia  en  que  accidentalmente 
se  encuentre. 


Art.  35.  Las  denominaciones 
adoptadas  sucesivamente  desde 
1810  hasta  el  presente,a  saber: 
"Provincias  Unidas  del  Rio  de  la 
Plata;"  "Republica  Argentina;" 
"Confederacion  Argentina,"  seran 
en  adelante  n  ombres  oficiales  indis- 
tintamente  para  la  designacion  del 
Gobierno  y  territorio  de  las  Pro- 
vincias, empleandose  las  palabras 
"Nacion  Argentina"  en  la  forma- 
cion  y  sancion  de  las  leyes. 


SEGUNDA  PARTE. 

AUTORIDADES  DE  LA  NACION. 
TfTULO   PRIMERO. 

Gobierno  Federal. 

Seccion  Primera. 

Del  Poder  Legislative). 

Art.  36.  Un  Congreso  com- 
puesto  de  dos  Camaras,  una  de 
Diputados  de  la  Nacion  y  otra  de 


the  liberty  of  the  press,  or  sub- 
jecting it  to  Federal  jurisdiction. 

Art.  33.  The  declarations  and 
statements  of  rights  and  guaranties 
made  by  the  present  Constitution 
shall  not  be  construed  as  involving 
the  denial  of  any  other  rights  and 
guaranties  not  enumerated,  but 
naturally  derived  from  the  princi- 
ples of  the  sovereignty  of  the  peo- 
ple and  of  the  republican  form  of 
government. 

Art.  34.  The  justices  and  judges 
of  the  Federal  courts  shall  not  serve 
at  the  same  time  in  the  same  capac- 
ity in  the  provincial  courts.  The 
tenure  of  a  Federal  position  in  any 
branch  of  the  service,  whether  civil 
or  military,  shall  not  confer  upon 
the  official  who  holds  it,  the  rights 
of  residence  in  the  Province  where- 
in it  is  held,  unless  it  is  his  habitual 
abode,  this  provision  being  made 
to  prevent  federal  officers  from 
soliciting  positions  in  the  Province 
in  which  they  accidentally  find 
themselves. 

Art.  35.  The  names  of  "The 
United  Provinces  of  the  River 
Plate,"  "The  Argentine  Repub- 
lic," "The  Argentine  Confedera- 
tion," adopted  in  succession  ever 
since  1810,  shall  be  allowed  in  the 
future  to  be  used  indistinctively 
for  the  official  designation  of  the 
government  and  the  territory  of 
the  Provinces;  but  the  name  of 
' '  The  Argentine  Nation  "  shall  be 
used  in  the  enactment  and  approval 
of  the  laws. 

PART  SECOND. 

AUTHORITIES  OF  THE  NATION. 
TITLE    FIRST. 

The  Federal  Government. 

Section  First. 

The  legislative  power. 

Art.  36.  The  legislative  power 
of  the  Nation  is  vested  in  a  Con- 
gress consisting  of  two  chambers, 


108 


THE   ARGENTINE    NATION. 


Senadores  de  las  Provincias  y  de 
la  Capital,  sera  investido  del  Poder 
Legislative  de  la  Nacion. 

Capitulo  I. 
De  la  Camara  de  Diputados. 

(Art.  37.  La  Camara  de  Dipu- 
tados se  compondra  de  represen- 
tantes  elegidos  directamente  por 
el  pueblo  de  las  Provincias  y  de 
la  Capital  que  se  consideran  a 
este  fin  como  distritos  electorales 
de  un  solo  Estado,  y  a  simple 
pluralidad  de  sufragios,  en  razon 
de  uno  por  cada  veinte  mil  habi- 
tantes,  o  de  una  fraction  que  no 
baje  del  numero  de  diez  mil.)a 


Art.  38.  Los  Diputados  para  la 
primera  Legislatura  se  nombraran 
en  la  proportion  siguiente:  por  la 
Provincia  de  Buenos  Aires  doce; 
por  la  de  Cordoba  seis;  por  la  de 
Catamarca  tres;  por  la  de  Corri- 
entes  cuatro;  por  la  de  Entre 
Rios  dos;  por  la  de  Jujuy  dos; 
por  la  de  Mendoza  tres;  por  la 
de  La  Rioja  dos;  por  la  de  Salta 
tres:  por  la  de  Santiago  cuatro; 
por  la  de  San  Juan  dos;  por  la  de 
Santa  Fe  dos;  por  la  de  San  Luis 
dos;  y  por  la  de  Tucuman  tres. 


Art.  39.  Para  la  segun da  Legis- 
latura debera  realizarse  el  censo 
general,  y  arreglarse  a  el  el  nu- 
mero de  Diputados;  pero  este 
censo  solo  podra  renovarse  cada 
diez  anos. 

Art.  40.  Para  ser  Diputado  se 
requiere  haber  cumplido  la  edad 
de  veinticinco  anos,  tener  cuatro 
afios  de  ciudadania  en  ejercicio,  y 
ser  natural  de  la  Provincia  que  lo 
elija,  6  con  dos  anos  de  residencia 
inmediata  en  ella. 


one  called  the  Chamber  of  Deputies 
of  the  Nation,  and  the  other  the 
Chamber  of  Senators  of  the  Prov- 
inces and  of  the  capital. 

Chapter  I. 
The  Chamber  of  Deputies. 

(Art.  37.  The  Chamber  of  Depu- 
ties shall  be  composed  of  repre- 
sentatives elected  directly  by  the 
people  of  the  Provinces  and  of  the 
capital.  Both  the  Provinces  and 
the  capital  shall  be  considered  for 
this  purpose  as  mere  electoral  dis- 
tricts of  the  whole  Nation.  The 
election  shall  be  by  plurality  of 
votes  in  the  proportion  of  one 
deputy  for  each  twenty  thousand 
inhabitants  or  fraction  of  this  num- 
ber not  less  than  ten  thousand.)a 

Art.  38.  The  deputies  for  the 
First  Congress  shall  be  elected  in 
the  following  proportion:  For  the 
Province  of  Buenos  Ayres,  twelve; 
for  the  Province  of  Cordoba,  six; 
for  the  Province  of  Catamarca, 
three;  for  the  Province  of  Corri- 
entes,  four;  for  the  Province  of 
Entre-Rios,  two;  for  the  Province 
of  Jujuy,  two;  for  the  Province  of 
Mendoza,  three;  for  the  Province 
of  Rioja,  two;  for  the  Province  of 
Salta,  three;  for  the  Province  of 
Santiago,  four;  for  the  Province 
of  San  Juan,  two;  for  the  Province 
of  Santa  Fe,  two;  for  the  Prov- 
ince of  San  Luis,  two;  for  the 
Province  of  Tucuman,  three. 

Art.  39.  A  general  census  shall 
be  taken  before  the  meeting  of  the 
Second  Congress,  and  the  election 
of  deputies  shall  then  be  made  ac- 
cording to  its  results.  The  census 
shall  not  be  taken  more  than  once 
in  every  ten  years. 

Art.  40.  No  person  can  be 
elected  a  deputy  who  is  not  over 
twenty-five  years  of  age,  a  citizen 
for  four  years,  and  either  a  native 
or  a  resident  for  the  two  preced- 
ing years,  of  the  Province  electing 
him. 


«See  article  as  amended,  March  15,  1898,  page  131. 


CONSTITUTION. 


109 


Art.  41.  Por  esta  vez  las  Legis- 
laturas  de  las  Provincias  reglaran 
los  medios  de  hacer  efectiva  la 
eleccion  directa  de  los  Diputados 
de  la  Nacion;  para  lo  sucesivo  el 
Congreso  expedira  una  ley  gene- 
ral. 

Art.  42.  Los  Diputados  duraran 
en  su  representacion  por  cuatro 
anos,  y  son  reelegibles;  pero  la 
Sala  se  renovara  por  mitad  cada 
bienio;  a  cuyo  efecto  los  nombra- 
dos  para  la  primera  Legislatura, 
luego  que  se  reunan,  sortearan  los 
que  deban  salir  en  el  primer 
periodo. 

Art.  43.  En  caso  de  vacante,  el 
Gobierno  de  Provincia  6  de  la 
Capital,  hace  proceder  a  eleccion 
legal  de  un  nuevo  miembro. 

Art.  44.  A  la  Camara  de  Dipu- 
tados corresponde  exclusivamente 
la  iniciativa  de  las  leyes  sobre  con- 
tribuciones  y  reclutamiento  de 
tropas. 

Art.  45.  Solo  ella  ejerce  el  de- 
recho  de  acusar  ante  el  Senado  al 
Presidente,  Vicepresidente,  sus 
Ministros  y  a  los  miembros  de  la 
Corte  Suprema  y  demas  Tribu- 
nales  inf  eriores  de  la  Nacion,  en  las 
causas  de  responsabilidad  que  se 
intenten  contra  ellos,  por  mal  de- 
sempeno,  6  por  delito  en  el  ejer- 
cicio  de  sus  f  unciones,  6  por  cri- 
menes  comunes,  despues  de  haber 
conocido  de  ellos  y  declarado  haber 
lugar  a  la  formacion  de  causa  por 
mayoria  de  dos  terceras  partes  de 
sus  miembros  presentes. 

Capitulo  II. 

Del  Senado. 

Art.  46.  El  Senado  se  compon- 
dra  de  dos  Senadores  de  cada  Pro- 
vincia elegidos  por  sus  Legislaturas 
a  pluralidad  de  sufragios;  y  dos 
de  la  Capital  elegidos  en  la  forma 
prescrita  para  la  eleccion  del  Presi- 
dente de  la  Nacion.  Cada  Senador 
tendra  un  voto. 


Art.  41.  The  measures  to  se- 
cure the  election  of  deputies  by 
direct  vote  of  the  people  of  eacli 
Province  shall  be  taken  this  time 
by  the  provincial  legislatures.  In 
the  future,  the  whole  matter  shall 
be  regulated  by  Federal  law,  en- 
acted by  the  Congress. 

Art.  42.  The  deputies  shall  be 
elected  to  serve  for  tour  years,  and 
are  reeligible.  The  Chamber, 
however,  shall  be  renewed  by 
halves  every  two  years,  and  for  this 
purpose  the  deputies  elected  to  the 
First  Congress  shall  draw  lots  as 
soon  as  they  meet,  and  determine 
in  this  way  those  who  shall  leave 
at  the  end  of  the  tirst  period. 

Art.  43.  In  case  of  vacancy,  the 
governor  of  the  Province  or  of  the 
capital  shall  order  an  election  to 
fill  it. 

Art.  44.  The  initiative  of  laws 
relating  to  taxes  and  recruiting  of 
troops  shall  exclusively  belong  to 
the  Chamber  of  Deputies. 

Art.  45.  The  Chamber  of  Depu- 
ties alone  has  the  light  to  impeach 
before  the  Senate  the  President, 
the  vice-president,  the  members  of 
the  cabinet,  the  justices  of  the 
supreme  court,  and  the  judges  of 
other  national  tribunals,  for  mal- 
feasance in  the  exercise  of  their 
functions,  or  for  crimes  and  mis- 
demeanors whether  official  or  com- 
mon; the  impeachment  to  be  made 
upon  proper  investigation,  and  a 
resolution  to  that  effect  passed  b}' 
a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  deputies 
present. 

Chaptkr  II. 

The  Senate. 

Art.  46.  The  Senate  shall  con- 
sist of  two  senators  for  each  Prov- 
ince elected  by  a  plurality  of  votes 
by  the  respective  legislatures. 
There  shall  be  also  two  senators 
for  the  capital,  who  shall  be  elected 
in  the  same  way  as  the  President 
of  the  Nation.  Each  senator  shall 
have  one  vote. 


110 


THE   ARGENTINE    NATION. 


Art.  47.  Son  requisites  para  ser 
elegido  Senador:  tener  la  edad  de 
treinta  anos,  haber  sido  seis  anos 
ciudadano  de  la  Nacion,  disfrutar 
de  una  renta  anual  de  dos  mil  pesos 
fuertes  6  de  una  entrada  equiva- 
lente,  y  ser  natural  de  la  Provincia 
que  lo  elija,  6  con  dos  anos  de 
residencia  inmediata  en  ella. 


Art.  48.  Los  Senadores  duran 
nueve  anos  en  el  ejercicio  de  su 
mandato,  y  son  reeligibles  indefi- 
nidamente;  pero  el  Senado  se 
renovara  por  terceras  partes  cada 
tres  anos,  decidiendose  por  la 
suerte,  luego  que  todos  se  reunan, 
quienes  deben  salir  en  el  1°  y  2° 
trienio. 

Art.  49.  El  Vicepresidente  de 
la  Nacion  sera  Presidente  del  Sena- 
do;  pero  no  tendra  voto  sino  en  el 
caso  que  hay  a  empate  en  la  vota- 
cion. 

Art.  50.  El  Senado  nombrara 
un  Presidente  provisorio  que  lo 
presida  en  caso  de  ausencia  del 
Vicepresidente,  6  cuando  este 
ejerza  las  f  unciones  de  Presidente 
de  la  Nacion. 

Art.  51.  Al  Senado  corresponde 
juzgar  en  juicio  publico  a  los  acu- 
sados  por  la  Camara  de  Diputados, 
debiendo  sus  miembros  prestar  ju- 
ramento  para  este  acto.  Cuando 
el  acusado  sea  el  Presidente  de  la 
Nacion,  el  Senado  sera  presidido 
por  el  Presidente  de  la  Corte  Su- 
prema.  Ninguno  sera  declarado 
culpable  sino  a  mayoria  de  los  dos 
tercios  de  los  miembros  presentes. 


Art.  52.  Su  fallo  no  tendra  mas 
efecto  que  destituir  al  acusado, 
y  aun  declararle  incapaz  de  ocu- 
par  ningun  empleo  de  honor,  de 
confianza  6  a  sueldo  en  la  Nacion. 
Pero  la  parte  condenada  quedara, 
no  obstante,  sujeta  a  acusacion,  jui- 
cio y  castigo  conf orme  a  las  leyes 
ante  los  Tribunales  ordinarios. 


Art.  47.  No  person  shall  be 
elected  senator  who  does  not  pos- 
sess the  following  qualifications: 
To  be  at  least  thirty  years  old,  to 
have  been  a  citizen  of  the  Nation 
for  six  years,  to  have  an  annual 
income  of  two  thousand  dollars, 
and  to  be  either  a  native  of  the 
Province  which  elects  him  or  have 
resided  in  it  the  two  next  preceding 
years. 

Art.  48.  Senators  shall  serve  for 
nine  years,  and  are  reeligible  in- 
definitely. But  the  Senate  shall 
be  renewed  b}^  thirds  ever}r  three 
years.  To  this  effect  the  senators 
themselves  shall  decide  by  lot  those 
who  shall  leave  at  the  expiration 
of  the  first  and  second  periods  of 
three  years. 

Art.  49.  The  vice-president  of 
the  Nation  shall  be  president  of  the 
Senate;  but  he  shall  have  no  vote 
unless  the  chamber  be  equally 
divided. 

Art.  50.  The  Senate  shall  elect 
a  President  pro  tempore  to  replace 
the  vice-president  in  case  of  ab- 
sence, or  when  the  latter  is  called 
to  act  as  President  of  the  Republic. 

Art.  51.  The  Senate  shall  have 
the  sole  power  to  try  in  public  the 
officials  impeached  by  the  Cham- 
ber of  Deputies,  and  senators, 
when  sitting  for  that  purpose,  shall 
take  the  proper  oath.  When  the 
impeached  official  is  the  President 
of  the  Nation,  the  chief  justice  of 
the  supreme  court  shall  preside 
over  the  Senate.  No  person  shall 
be  convicted  without  the  concur- 
rence of  two-thirds  of  the  mem- 
bers present. 

Art.  52.  Sentences  in  cases  of 
impeachment  shall  not  extend  fur- 
ther than  removal  from  office,  or 
even  disqualification  from  holding 
any  office  of  honor,  trust,  or  profit 
under  the  Nation;  but  the  con- 
victed official  shall  nevertheless  be 
subject  to  indictment,  trial,  and 
punishment  according  to  law,  in 
and  by  the  ordinary  courts. 


CONSTITUTION. 


Ill 


Art.  53.  Corresponde  tambien 
al  Senado  autorizar  al  Presidente 
de  la  Nacion  para  que  declare  en 
estado  de  sitio,  uno  6  varios  pun- 
tos  de  la  Repiiblica,  en  caso  de 
ataque  exterior. 

Art.  54.  Cuando  vacase  alguna 
plaza  de  Senador  por  muerte,  re- 
nuncia  u  otra  causa,  el  Gobierno  a 
que  corresponda  la  vacante  hace 
proceder  inmediatamente  a,  la  elec- 
cion  de  un  nuevo  miembro. 

Capitulo  III. 
Disposiciones  comunes  a  atnbas  Cdmaras. 

Art.  55.  AmbasCamarassereu- 
niran  en  sesiones  ordinarias  todos 
los  anos  desde  el  1°  de  Mayo  hasta 
el  30  de  Septiembre.  Pueden  tam- 
bien ser  convocadas  extraordina- 
riamente  por  el  Presidente  de  la 
Nacion,  6  prorrogadas  sus  sesiones. 

Art.  56.  Cada  Camara  es  Juez 
de  las  elecciones,  derechos  y  titu- 
los  de  sus  miembros  en  cuanto  a 
su  validez.  Ninguna  de  ellas  en- 
trant en  sesion  sin  la  niayoria  abso- 
luta  de  sus  miembros;  pero  un 
numero  menor  podra  compeler  a 
los  miembros  ausentes  a  que  con- 
curran  a  las  sesiones,  en  los  ter- 
minos  y  bajo  las  penas  que  cada 
Camara  establecera. 


Art.  57.  Ambas  Camaras  em- 
piezan  y  concluyen  sus  sesiones 
simultaneamente.  Ninguna  de 
ellas,  mientras  se  hallen  reunidas, 
podra  suspender  sus  sesiones  mas 
de  tres  dias,  sin  el  consentimiento 
de  la  otra. 

Art.  58.  Cada  Camara  hard  su 
reglamento,  y  podra  con  dos  ter- 
cios  de  votos,  corregir  acualquiera 
de  sus  miembros  por  desorden  de 
conducta  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus 
f  unciones,  6  removerlo  por  inhabi- 
lidad  fisica  6  moral  sobreviniente 
a  su  incorporacion,  y  hasta  ex- 
cluirle  de  su  seno;  pero  bastara  la 
mayoria  de  uno  sobre  la  mitad  de 


Art.  53.  It  is  also  incumbent 
upon  the  Senate  to  authorize  the 
President  of  the  Nation  to  declare, 
in  case  of  foreign  aggression,  one 
or  more  points  in  the  national  terri- 
tory in  state  of  siege. 

Art.  54.  When  the  seat  of  a 
senator  becomes  vacant  on  account 
of  death,  resignation,  or  any  other 
reason,  the  executive  authority 
shall  immediately  order  an  election 
to  fill  the  vacancy. 

Chapter  III. 
Provisions  relating  to  both  Chambers. 

Art.  55.  Both  Chambers  shall 
meet  in  ordinary  session  on  the 
first  day  of  Ma}r  of  each  year  and 
shall  continue  their  sessions  until 
the  thirtieth  of  September.  They 
may  also  be  convened  in  extraor- 
dinary session  or  adjourned  by  the 
President  of  the  Nation. 

Art.  56.  Each  Chamber  shall  be 
the  judge  of  the  elections,  rights, 
and  titles  of  its  own  members,  in  so 
far  as  the  question  of  their  validity 
is  concerned.  Neither  Chamber 
shall  meet  to  do  business  without  a 
quorum  consisting  of  an  absolute 
majority  of  its  members;  but  a 
smaller  number  shall  have  the 
power  to  compel,  by  such  means 
and  under  such  penalties  as  each 
Chamber  may  establish,  the  attend- 
ance of  absent  members. 

Art.  57.  Both  Chambers  shall 
sit  simultaneously.  Neither  shall 
have  the  power,  during  the  session 
of  the  Congress,  to  adjourn,  with- 
out the  consent  of  the  other,  for 
more  than  three  days. 

Art.  58.  Each  Chamber  may  de- 
termine the  rules  of  its  proceed- 
ings, and,  with  the  concurrence  of 
two-thirds  of  its  members,  punish 
any  one  of  the  same  for  disorderly 
behavior  in  the  discharge  of  his 
functions,  remove  him  for  plvysical 
or  moral  inability  subsequent  to 
his  admission,  or  expel  him  from 
the  body.     An  absolute  majority 


112 


THE    ARGENTINE    NATION. 


los  presentes  para  decidir  en  las 
renuncias  que  vroluntariamente  hi- 
cieren  de  sus  cargos. 

Art.  59.  Los  Senadores  y  Dipu- 
tados  prestaran,  en  el  acto  de  su 
incorporacion,  juramento  de  de- 
seinpenar  debidamente  el  cargo,  y 
de  obrar  en  todo  en  conformidad 
a  lo  que  prescribe  esta  Constitu- 
cion. 

Art.  60.  Ninguno  de  los  miem- 
bros  del  Congreso  puede  ser  acu- 
sado,  interrogado  judicialmente, 
ni  molestado  por  las  opiniones  6 
discursos  que  emita  desempenando 
su  mandato  de  legislador. 

Art.  61.  Ningun  Senador  6  Di- 

Eutado,  desde  el  dia  de  su  eleccion 
asta  el  de  su  cese,  puede  ser 
arrestado;  excepto  el  caso  de  ser 
sorprendido  in  fraganti  en  la 
ejecucion  de  algfin  crimen  que  me- 
rezca  pena  de  muerte,  infamante, 
u  otra  aflictiva,  de  lo  que  se  dara 
cuenta  a  la  Camara  respectiva  con 
la  inforinacion  sumaria  del  hecho. 


Art.  62.  Cuando  se  forme  que- 
rella  por  escrito  ante  las  justicias 
ordinarias  contra  cualquier  Sena- 
dor  6  Diputado,  examinado  el  me- 
rito  del  sumario  en  juicio  publico, 
podra  cada  Camara,  con  dos  ter- 
cios  de  votos,  suspender  en  sus  f  un- 
ciones  al  acusado,  y  ponerlo  a  dis- 
posicion  del  Juez  competente  para 
su  juzgamiento. 

Art.  63.  Cada  una  de  las  Cama- 
ras  puede  hacer  venir  a  su  Sala  a 
los  Ministros  del  Poder  Ejecutivo 
para  recibir  las  explicaciones  e  in- 
formes  que  estime  convenientes. 

Art.  64.  Ningun  miembro  del 
Congreso  podra  recibir  empleo  6 
comision  del  Poder  Ejecutivo,  sin 
previo  consentimiento  de  la  Ca- 
mara respectiva,  excepto  los  em- 
pleos  de  escala. 


shall  be  sufficient  to  act  upon  the 
resignation  of  a  member  voluntar- 
ily made. 

Art.  59.  Senators  and  deputies, 
on  taking  their  seats,  shall  be 
sworn  to  perform  their  duties  in 
the  proper  way  and  to  act  in  all 
things  in  accordance  with  the  pres- 
ent Constitution. 

Art.  60.  No  member  of  Con- 
gress shall  be  indicted,  judicially 
questioned,  or  molested  for  opin- 
ions expressed  or  speeches  deliv- 
ered, by  him  while  fulfilling  his 
duties  as  a  legislator. 

Art.  61.  Senators  and  Deputies 
shall  be,  from  the  day  of  their  elec- 
tion to  the  day  of  the  expiration  of 
their  term,  exempted  from  arrest, 
except,  when  caught  in  the  act  of 
perpetrating  a  crime  or  offense 
punishable  by  death,  or  any  other 
penalty  entailing  bodily  suffering 
or  disgrace,  in  which  case  the  mat- 
ter shall  be  reported  to  the  Cham- 
ber to  which  the  member  belongs, 
with  a  full  statement  of  all  the 
facts. 

Art.  62.  Should  any  charge  be 
made  in  writing,  before  the  ordi- 
nary tribunals,  against  a  Senator 
or  Deputy,  the  Chamber  to  which 
he  belongs  may,  by  a  two-thirds 
vote,  and  upon  examination  in 
public  of  the  merits  of  the  case, 
suspend  him  from  his  legislative 
functions  and  surrender  him  for 
trial  to  the  proper  court. 

Art.  63.  Each  Chamber  shall 
have  power  to  summon  to  its  pres- 
ence the  members  of  the  cabinet, 
in  order  that  they  may  give  orally 
the  information  which  may  be 
deemed  necessary. 

Art.  64.  No  member  of  Con- 
gress shall  receive  from  the  Ex- 
ecutive any  appointment  to  offices 
of  honor,  trust,  or  profit  without 
first  obtaining  the  consent  of  the 
Chamber  to  which  he  belongs. 
This  article  is  not  applicable  to 
cases  in  which  the  appointment  is 
merely  a  promotion. 


CONSTITUTION. 


113 


Art.  65.  Los  eclesiasticos  regu- 
lares  no  pueden  ser  miembros  del 
Congreso,  ni  los  Gobernadores  de 
Provincia  por  la  de  su  mando. 

Art.  66.  Los  servicios  de  los 
Senadores  y  Diputados  son  remu- 
neradosporel  Tesoro  de  la  Nacion, 
con  una  dotacion  que  senalara  la 
ley. 

Capitulo  IV. 

Atribuciones  del  Congreso. 

Art.  67.  Corresponde  al  Con- 
greso: 

1.  Legislar  sobre  las  aduanas 
exteriores  y  establecer  los  dere- 
chos  de  importacion,loscuales,  asi 
como  las  avaluaciones  sobre  que 
recaigan,  seran  uniformes  en  toda 
la  Nacion;  bien  entendido,  que 
esta,  asi  como  las  demas  contribu- 
ciones  nacionales,  podran  ser  satis- 
fechas  en  la  moneda  que  fuese 
corriente  en  las  Provincias  respec- 
tivas,  por  su  justo  equivalente. 
Establecer  igualmente  los  dere- 
chos  de  exportacion  hasta  1866,  en 
cuya  fecha  cesardn  como  impuesto 
national,  no  pudiendo  serlo  pro- 
vincial.'1 

2.  lmponer  contribuciones  di- 
rectas  por  tiempo  deterininado  y 
proporcionalmente  iguales  en  todo 
el  territoriode  la  Nacion,  siempre 
que  la  defensa,  seguridad  comun 
y  bien  general  del  Estado  lo 
exijan.    . 

3.  Contraer  emprestitos  de  di- 
nero  sobre  el  credito  de  la  Nacion. 

4.  Disponer  del  uso  y  de  la 
enajenacion  de  las  tierras  de  pro- 
piedad  nacional. 

5.  Establecer  y  reglamentar  un 
Banco  Nacional  en  la  Capital  y  sus 
sucursales  en  las  Provincias,  con 
facultad  de  emitir  billetes. 

6.  Arreglar  el  pago  de  la  deuda 
interior  y  exterior  de  la  Nacion. 


Art.  65.  No  member  of  the 
religious  orders  shall  be  elected  to 
Congress.  Nor  shall  any  Provin- 
cia] governor  represent  his  Prov- 
ince. 

Art.  66.  The  remuneration  of 
the  services  of  Senators  and  Depu- 
ties shall  be  fixed  by  law  and  paid 
out  of  the  funds  of  the  national 
treasury. 

Chapter  IV. 

Powers  of  Congress. 

Art.  67.  The  National  Congress 
shall  have  power: 

1.  To  legislate  in  regard  to 
custom-houses  and  foreign  com- 
merce, and  establish  import  du- 
ties, which,  as  well  as  the  rates  of 
appraisement  on  which  they  must 
be  based,  shall  be  uniform  in  the 
whole  Nation;  it  being  understood, 
however,  that  these  duties  and  all 
other  taxes  of  national  character 
may  be  paid  in  the  currency  of  the 
respective  Provinces  in  their  just 
equivalent  value.  And,  to  estab- 
lish likewise  export  duties  tip  to 
1866,  at  which  time  they  shall  cease 
to  be  either  national  or  provincial 
taxes.a 

2.  To  levy  direct  taxes  for  a 
period  of  time  and  in  a  manner 
proportionately  equal  in  all  the 
territory  of  the  Nation,  whenever 
the  defense  of  the  country,  the 
common  saf  et}^,  or  the  public  good 
may  require  it. 

3.  To  borrow  money,  pledging 
the  Nation's  credit  for  its  payment. 

4.  To  provide  for  the  use,  sale, 
and  disposition  of  the  national 
lands. 

5.  To  establish  and  organize  at 
the  capital  a  national  bank,  with 
branches  in  the  Provinces,  with 
power  to  issue  bank  notes. 

6.  To  make  arrangements  for 
the  payment  of  the  national  debt, 
both  foreign  and  domestic. 


"Words  in  italics  stricken  out  September  12,  1866.     See  page  131. 
360a— vol  1—06 8 


114 


THE    AKGENTINE    NATION. 


7.  Fijar  anualmente  el  presu- 
puesto  de  gastos  de  administracion 
de  la  Nacion,  y  aprobar  6  desechar 
la  cuenta  de  inversion. 

8.  Acordar  subsidios  del  Tesoro 
Nacional  a  las  Provincias,  cu}ras 
rentas  no  alcancen,  segun  sus  pre- 
supuestos,  a  cubrir  sus  gastos 
ordinarios. 

9.  Reglamentar  la  libre  nave- 
gacion  de  los  rios  interiores,  habi- 
litar  los  puertos  que  considere  con- 
venientes,  y  crear  y  suprimir 
aduanas,  sinquepuedan  suprimirse 
las  aduanas  exteriores,  que  existian 
en  cada  provincia,  al  tiempo  de  su 
incorporacion. 


10.  Hacer  sellar  moneda,  fijar 
su  valor  y  el  de  las  extranjeras; 
y  adoptar  un  sistenia  uniforme  de 
pesas  y  medidas  para  tod  a  la 
Nacion. 

11.  Dictar  los  Codigos  civil, 
coraercial,  penal  y  de  mineria,  sin 
que  tales  Codigos  alteren  las  juris- 
dicciones  locales,  correspondiendo 
su  applicacion  a  los  Tribunales 
Federales  6  Provinciales,  segun 
que  las  cosas  6  las  personas  caye- 
ren  bajo  sus  respectivas  jurisdic- 
ciones;  y  especialmente  lej'es  gene- 
rales  para  toda  la  Nacion  sobre 
naturalizacion  y  ciudadania,  con 
sujecion  al  principio  de  ciudadania 
natural;  asi  como  sobre  bancarro- 
tas,  sobre  falsificacion  de  la  mo- 
neda corriente  y  documentos  publi- 
cos  del  Estado,  y  las  que  requiera 
el  establecimiento  del  juicio  por 
jurados. 

12.  Reglar  el  comercio  maritimo 
y  terrestre  con  las  Naciones  extran- 
jeras, y  de  las  provincias  entre  si. 

13.  Arreglar  y  establecer  las 
postas  y  correos  generales  de  la 
Nacion. 

14.  Arreglar  definitivamente  los 
limites  del  territorio  de  la  Nacion, 


7.  To  annually  appropriate  the 
money  necessary  to  meet  the  ex- 
penses of  the  National  Govern- 
ment, and  approve  or  disapprove 
the  accounts  of  its  disbursement. 

8.  To  grant  subsidies,  to  be  paid 
out  of  the  national  treasury,  to 
those  Provinces  whose  revenues, 
according  to  their  own  budgets, 
are  insufficient  to  meet  their  ordi- 
nary expenses. 

9.  To  make  rules  for  the  free 
navigation  of  the  rivers  in  the  in- 
terior of  the  country,  to  declare 
ports  of  entry  those  which  may  be 
deemed  fit  for  that  purpose,  and  to 
establish  or  abolish  custom-houses. 
But  the  custom-houses  for  foreign 
commerce,  existing  in  each  Prov- 
ince at  the  time  of  its  coming  into 
the  National  Union,  shall  not  be 
abolished. 

10.  To  coin  money,  fix  the  value 
thereof  and  that  of  foreign  coins, 
and  adopt  a  uniform  system  of 
weights  and  measures  for  the  whole 
Nation. 

11.  To  enact  the  civil,  commer- 
cial, penal,  and  mining  codes  with- 
out encroaching  upon  the  local 
jurisdictions,  the  provisions  of  said 
codes  to  be  enforced  either  by 
the  Federal  or  provincial  courts, 
as  the  nature  and  condition  of  the 
things  or  persons  affected  by  them 
may  require.  And  especially  to 
enact  laws  on  naturalization  and 
citizenship,  general  for  the  whole 
nation,  and  based  upon  the  prin- 
ciple of  citizenship  by  nativity,  as 
well  as  laws  on  bankruptcy,  for- 
gery, and  counterfeiting  of  money 
and  State  public  documents,  and 
the  establishment  of  trial  by  jury. 

12.  To  regulate  the  commerce 
by  land  and  sea  with  foreign 
countries,  and  that  of  the  Prov- 
inces among  themselves. 

13.  To  establish  and  regulate 
post-offices  and  post-roads. 

14.  To  settle  finally  the  limits 
of  the  Republic,  to  fix  those  of  the 


CONSTITUTION. 


115 


fijar  los  de  las  Provincias,  crear 
otras  nuevas,  y  determinar  por  una 
legislacion  especial  la  organiza- 
cion,  admin  istracion  y  gobierno 
que  deben  tener  los  Territories 
nacionales,  que  queden  fuera  de 
los  limites  que  se  asignen  a  las 
Provincias. 

15.  Proveer  a  la  seguridad  de 
las  fronteras;  conservar  el  trato 
pacifico  con  los  indios,  y  promover 
la  conversion  de  ellos  al  catoli- 
eismo. 

16.  Proveer  lo  conducente  a  la 
prosperidad  del  pais,  al  adelanto  y 
bienestar  de  todas  las  Provincias, 
y  al  progreso  de  la  ilustracion,  dic- 
tando  planes  de  instruccion  general 
y  universitaria,  y  promoviendo  la 
industria,  la  inmigracion,  la  cons- 
truction de  ferrocarriles  y  ca- 
nales  navegables,  la  colonization 
de  tierras  de  propiedad  nacional, 
la  introduction  y  establecimiento 
de  nuevas  industrias,  la  importa- 
tion de  capitales  extranjeros  y  la 
exploration  de  los  rios  interiores, 
por  leyes  protectoras  de  estos 
fines  ypor  concesiones  temporales 
de  privilegios  y  recompensas  de 
estiniulo. 

17.  Establecer  tribunales  infe- 
riores  a  la  Suprema  Corte  de  Justi- 
cia;  crear  y  suprimir  empleos, 
fijar  sus  atribuciones,  dar  pensio- 
nes,  decretar  honores,  y  coneeder 
amnistias  generales. 

18.  Admitir  6  desechar  los  mo- 
tivos  de  dimision  del  Presidente  6 
Vicepresidente  de  la  Repiiblica;  y 
declarar  el  caso  de  proceder  a  nueva 
election:  hacer  el  escrutinio  y 
rectification  de  ella. 


19.  Aprobar  6  desechar  los  tra- 
tados  concluidos  con  las  demas 
naciones,  y  los  concordatos  con  la 
Silla  Apostolica;  y  arreglar  el 
ejercicio  del  Patronato  en  toda  la 
Nation. 


Provinces,  to  create  new  provinces, 
and  to  provide  by  special  laws  for 
the  organization  and  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  government  of  the 
national  territories,  which  ma}^ 
be  left  outside  the  limits  of  the 
Provinces. 

15.  To  provide  for  the  security 
of  the  frontiers  and  the  preser- 
vation of  peaceful  intercourse 
with  the  Indians,  and  to  promote 
their  conversion  to  the  Catholic 
religion. 

16.  To  provide  for  everything 
conducive  to  increase  the  pros- 
perity of  the  country,  the  progress 
and  welfare  of  the  Provinces, 
and  the  enlightenment  of  the 
people,  by  promoting  industrial 
enterprise,  foreign  immigration, 
the  construction  of  railroads  and 
navigable  canals,  the  colonization 
of  the  national  lands,  the  intro- 
duction and  establishment  of  new 
industries,  the  importation  of  for- 
eign capital,  and  the  exploration 
of  the  interior  rivers.  Laws  in- 
tended to  promote  these  purposes, 
granting  privileges  for  a  limited 
time,  rewards  and  other  induce- 
ments, shall  be  enacted  to  secure 
complete  success  of  this  policy. 

17.  To  establish  courts  inferior 
to  the  supreme  court  of  justice; 
create  and  abolish  offices  and  fix 
the  duties  of  the  same;  grant  pen- 
sions, decree  honors,  and  promul- 
gate general  amnesties. 

18.  To  accept,  or  refuse  to  ac- 
cept, the  resignation  of  the  Presi- 
dent or  vice-president  of  the 
Nation,  and  declare  that  the  time 
has  arrived  to  proceed  to  a  new 
election,  to  count  the  returns 
thereof,  and  to  ascertain  the  re- 
sult. 

19.  To  approve  or  reject  the 
treaties  concluded  with  any  for- 
eign nations,  and  the  concordats 
entered  into  with  the  Holy  See, 
and  to  make  rules  for  the  exercise 
of  ecclesiastical  patronage  in  the 
whole  Nation. 


116 


THE    ARGENTINE    NATION. 


20.  Admitir  en  el  territorio  de 
la  Nacion  otras  ordenes  religiosas 
a  mas  de  las  existentes. 

21.  Autorizar  al  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo  para  declarar  la  guerra  6  hacer 
la  paz. 

22.  Conceder  patentes  de  corso 
y  de  represalias,  y  establecer  re- 
glamentos  para  las  presas. 

23.  Fijar  la  fuerza  de  Hnea  de 
tierra  y  de  mar  en  tiempo  de  paz 
y  guerra;  y  formar  reglamentos 
y  ordenanzas  para  el  gobierno  de 
dichos  ejercitos. 

24.  Autorizar  la  reunion  de  las 
milicias  de  todas  las  Provincias  6 
parte  de  ellas,  cuando  lo  exija  la 
ejecucion  de  las  leyes  de  la  Nacion 
y  sea  necesario  contener  las  insu- 
rrecciones  6  repeler  las  invasiones. 
Disponer  la  organizacion,  arma- 
mento  y  disciplina  de  dichas  mili- 
cias, y  la  administraciony  gobierno 
de  la  parte  de  ellas  que  estuviese 
empleada  en  servicio  de  la  Nacion, 
dejando  a  las  Provincias  el  nom- 
bramiento  de  sus  correspondientes 
jefes  y  oficiales,  y  el  cuidado  de 
establecer  en  su  respectiva  milicia 
la  disciplina  prescrita  por  el 
Congreso. 

25.  Permitir  la  introduction  de 
tropas  extranjeras  en  el  territorio 
de  la  Nacion,  y  la  salida  de  las 
fuerzas  nacionales  fuera  de  el. 

26.  Declarar  en  estado  de  sitio 
uno  6  varios  puntos  de  la  Nacion 
en  caso  de  conmocion  interior,  y 
aprobar  6  suspender  el  estado  de 
sitio  declarado,  durante  su  receso, 
por  el  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

27.  Ejercer  una  legislation  ex- 
clusiva  en  todo  el  territorio  de  la 
Capital  de  la  Nacion,  y  sobre  los 
deinas  lugares  adquiridos  por 
compra  6  cesion  en  cualquiera  de 
las  Provincias,  para  establecer  f  or- 
talezas,  arsenates,  almacenes  u 
otros  establecimientos  de  utilidad 
nacional. 

28.  Hacer  todas  las  leyes  y  re- 
glamentos que  sean  convenientes 


20.  To  admit  into  the  territory 
of  the  Republic  religious  orders 
in  addition  to  those  now  existing. 

21.  To  authorize  the  Executive 
power  to  declare  war  or  make 
peace. 

22.  To  grant  letters  of  marque 
and  reprisal  and  make  rules  con- 
cerning prizes. 

23.  To  fix  the  strength  of  the 
land  and  naval  forces  of  the  Nation, 
both  in  time  of  peace  and  of  war, 
and  to  make  rules  and  ordinances 
for  the  government  of  the  army 
and  navy. 

24.  To  authorize  the  calling  out 
of  the  militia  of  any  or  all  the 
Provinces,  whenever  the  execution 
of  the  laws  of  the  Nation,  the  sup- 
pressing of  insurrections,  or  the 
repelling  of  invasions,  may  render 
it  necessary.  To  provide  for  the 
organization,  equipment,  and  dis- 
cipline of  said  militia,  and  the  com- 
mand and  government  of  the  part 
thereof  which  may  be  employed 
in  the  service  of  the  Nation,  leav- 
ing to  the  Provinces  themselves 
the  power  to  appoint  the  chiefs 
and  officers  of  their  respective 
militias,  and  to  enforce  in  regard 
to  them  the  discipline  established 
by  Congress. 

25.  To  permit  the  introduction 
of  foreign  troops  into  the  territory 
of  the  Republic,  and  the  departure 
from  it  of  the  national  ones. 

26.  To  proclaim  a  state  of  siege 
in  one  or  more  places  in  the  Nation 
in  case  of  internal  disturbances, 
and  to  approve  or  suspend  the 
state  of  siege  declared  during  the 
recess  of  Congress  b}T  the  Execu- 
tive power. 

27.  To  exercise  exclusive  legis- 
lation in  all  the  territory  of  the 
national  capital  and  in  all  other 
places  acquired  by  purchase  or 
cession  in  any  Province  for  the 
construction  of  forts,  arsenals, 
magazines,  or  other  useful  national 
establishments. 

28.  To  enact  all  the  laws  and 
regulations  which  may  be  deemed 


CONSTITUTION. 


117 


para  poner  en  ejercicio  los  poderes 
antecedentes,  y  todoslos  otros  con- 
cedidos  por  la  presente  Constitu- 
cion  al  Gobierno  de  la  Nacion 
Argentina. 

Capitulo  V. 
De  la  formation  y  santidn  de  las  leyes. 

Art.  68.  Las  leyes  pueden  tener 
principio  en  cualquiera  de  las  Ca- 
maras  del  Congreso,  por  proyectos 
presentados  por  sus  miembros  6 

f)or  el  Poder   Ejecutivo;  excepto 
as  relativas  a  los  objetos  de  que 
trata  el  articulo  44. 

Art.  69.  Aprobado  un  proyecto 
de  ley  por  la  Camara  de  su  origen, 
pasa  para  su  discusion  a  la  otra 
Camara.  Aprobado  por  ambas, 
pasa  al  Poder  Ejecutivo  de  la  Na- 
cion para  su  examen;  y  si  tambien 
obtiene  su  aprobacion,  lo  promulga 
como  ley. 

Art.  70.  Se  reputa  aprobado  por 
el  Poder  Ejecutivo,  todo  proyecto 
no  devuelto  en  el  termino  de  diez 
dias  utiles. 

Art.  71.  Ningun  proyecto  de 
ley  desechado  totalmente  por  una 
de  las  Camaras,  podra  repetirse  en 
las  sesiones  de  aquel  ano.  Pero  si 
solo  fuese  adicionado  6  corregido 
por  la  Camara  revisora,  volvera  a 
la  de  su  origen;  y  si  en  esta  se 
aprobasen  las  adiciones  6  correc- 
ciones  por  mayoria  absoluta,  pa- 
sara  al  Poder  Ejecutivo  de  la 
Nacion.  Si  las  adiciones  6  correc- 
ciones  fuesen  desechadas,  volvera 
segunda  vez  el  proyecto  a  la  Ca- 
mara revisora,  y  si  aqui  fuesen 
nuevamente  sancionadas  por  una 
mayoria  de  las  dos  terceras  partes 
de  sus  miembros,  pasara  el  pro- 
yecto a  la  otra  Camara,  y  no  se 
entendera  que  esta  reprueba  dichas 
adiciones  6  correcciones,  si  no  con- 
curre  para  ello  el  voto  de  las  dos 
terceras  partes  de  sus  miembros 
presentes. 


necessary  to  carry  into  effect  the 
powers  and  faculties  hereinbefore 
enumerated  and  all  others  granted 
by  the  present  Constitution  to 
the  Government  of  the  Argentine 
Nation. 

Chapter  V. 

Enactment  and  approval  of  laws. 

Art.  68.  Laws  may  originate  in 
either  Chamber  of  Congress  by 
means  of  bills  introduced  by  the 
members  thereof  or  by  the  Execu- 
tive; except,  however,  those  re- 
lating to  the  subjects  mentioned 
in  article  44. 

Art.  69.  When  a  bill  has  been 
passed  in  the  Chamber  where  it 
originated,  it  shall  be  sent  to  the 
other  Chamber  for  discussion. 
Having  been  passed  by  both,  it 
shall  be  sent  to  the  Executive  of 
the  Nation  for  examination.  If 
approved,  the  Executive  shall  pro- 
mulgate it  as  law. 

Art.  70.  Bills  not  returned  by 
the  Executive  within  ten  working 
days  shall  be  considered  approved. 

Art.  71.  No  bill  wholly  rejected 
in  one  Chamber  shall  be  introduced 
again  during  the  same  year.  But 
if  merely  amended  by  the  revising 
Chamber,  it  shall  be  returned  to 
the  Chamber  of  origin,  and  if  the 
amendments  are  adopted  there  by 
absolute  majority,  it  shall  be  sent 
for  approval  to  the  Executive 
power  of  the  Nation.  If  the 
amendments  are  rejected,  the  bill 
shall  be  again  referred  to  the  Cham- 
ber, where  they  were  made,  and  if 
insisted  upon  by  a  majority  of 
two-thirds  of  the  members,  the 
bill  shall  be  again  referred  to  the 
other  Chamber,  where  it  shall  not 
be  deemed  rejected  unless  the 
rejection  is  made  by  a  majority  of 
two-thirds  of  the  members  present. 


118 


THE    ARGENTINE    NATION. 


Art.  72.  Desechado  en  el  todo 
6  en  parte  un  proyecto  por  el 
Poder  Ejecutivo,  vuelve  con  sus 
objeciones  a  la  Camara  de  su 
origen:  e*sta  lo  discute  de  nuevo, 
y  si  lo  confirma  por  ma3Toria  de 
dos  tercios  de  votos,  pasa  otra  vez 
a  la  Camara  de  revision.  Siambas 
Camaras  lo  sancionan  por  igual 
mayoria,  el  proyecto  es  ley  y  p^asa 
al  Poder  Ejecutivo  para  su  pro- 
mulgacion.  Las  votaciones  de 
ambas  Camaras  seran  en  este  caso 
nominales,  por  si  6  por  no;  y  tanto 
los  nombres  y  f  undamentos  de  los 
sufragantes,  como  las  objeciones 
del  Poder  Ejecutivo,  sepublicaran 
inmediatamente  por  la  prensa. 
Si  las  Camaras  defieren  sobre  las 
objeciones,  el  projecto  no  podra 
repetirse  en  las  sesiones  de  aquel 
ano. 


Art.  73.  En  la  sancion  de  las 
leyes  se  usara  de  esta  formula:  "  El 
Senado  y  Camara  de  Diputados  de 
la  Nacion  Argentina,  reunidos  en 
Congreso,  etc.,  decretan,  6  san- 
cionan con  fuerza  de  ley." 

Seccx6n  Segunda. 

Del  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Capitulo  I. 

De  su  naturaleza  y  duraci&n. 

Art.  74.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo  de 
la  Nacion  sera  desempenado  por 
un  ciudadano  con  el  titulo  de 
"Presidente  de  la  Nacion  Argen- 
tina." 

Art.  75.  En  caso  de  enferme- 
dad,  ausenciade  la  Capital,  muerte, 
renuncia  6  destitucion  del  Presi- 
dente, el  Poder  Ejecutivo  sera 
ejercido  por  el  Vicepresidente  de 
la  Nacion.  En  caso  de  destitu- 
cion, muerte,  dimision  6  inhabili- 
dad  del  Presidente  y  Vicepresi- 
dente de  la  Nacion,  el  Congreso 
determinara  que  funcionario  pii- 


Art.  72.  A  bill  rejected, 
either  wholly  or  in  part,  by  the 
Executive,  shall  be  returned  with 
the  objections  of  the  latter  to  the 
Chamber  of  origin,  where  it  shall 
be  discussed  a  second  time,  and  if 
passed  by  a  two-thirds  majorit}7 
shall  be  again  referred  to  the  other 
Chamber.  If  the  bill  passes  both 
Chambers  by  the  majority  aforesaid 
it  becomes  a  law  and  shall  go  to  the 
Executive  for  its  promulgation. 
The  vote  in  this  case  shall  be  by 
yeas  and  nays,  and  the  names  of 
the  members  who  took  part  in  the 
vote,  as  well  as  the  grounds  upon 
which  they  founded  their  votes, 
and  the  objections  of  the  Execu- 
tive, shall  be  immediately  pub- 
lished by  the  press.  If  the  cham- 
bers disagree  in  regard  to  the  ob- 
jections, the  bill  shall  fail  and  shall 
not  be  allowed  to  be  presented 
again  during  that  year. 

Art.  73.  The  enacting  clause  of 
the  laws  shall  be  as  follows:  "The 
Senate  and  the  Chamber  of 
Deputies  of  the  Argentine  Nation, 
in  Congress  assembled,  decree  or 
sanction  as  law:" 

Section  Second. 

The  Executive  power. 

Chapter  I. 

Its  nature  and  duration. 

Art.  74.  The  Executive  power 
of  the  Nation  shall  be  vested  in  a 
citizen  with  the  title  of  "Presi- 
dent of  the  Argentine  Nation." 

Art.  75.  In  case  of  illness,  ab- 
sence from  the  capital,  death,  res- 
ignation, or  removal  of  the  Presi- 
dent, the  Executive  power  shall 
be  exercised  by  the  vice-president 
of  the  Nation.  In  case  of  re- 
moval, death,  resignation,  or  in- 
ability of  both  the  President  and 
vice-president  of  the  Nation,  Con- 
gress shall  determine  what  officer 


CONSTITUTION.  119 

blico  ha  de  desempenar  la  Presi-  shall  then  act  as  President  until 

dencia,  hasta  que  haya  cesado  la  the  disability  is  removed  or  a  new 

causa  de  la  inhabilidad  6  un  nuevo  President  is  elected." 
Presidente  sea  electo. a 

Art.  76.  Para  ser  elegido  Pre-  Art.  76.  To  be  elected  President 

sidente  6  Vicepresidente  de  la  Na-  or  vice-president  of  the  Nation  it 

cionserequiere:  habernacidoenel  is  necessary  to  have  been  born  in 

territorio  argentino,  6  ser  hijo  de  the  Argentine  Territory,  or  if  born 

ciudadano  nativo,  habiendo  nacido  in  a  foreign  country  to  be  the  son 

en  pais  extranjero;  pertenecer  a  la  of  a  native  citizen ;  to  belong  to  the 

comunion  Catolica  Apostolica  Ro-  Roman  Catholic  Apostolic    Reli- 

mana;  y  las  demas  calidades  exi-  gion;  and  to  have  all   the  other 

gidas  para  ser  electo  Senador.  qualifications  required  to  be  a  sen- 
ator. 

Art.  77.  El  Presidente  y  Vice-  Art.  77.  The  President  and  the 

presidente  duran  en  sus  empleos  vice-president    shall    hold    their 

el  termino  de  seis  anos,  y  no  pue-  offices  during  a  term  of  six  years, 

den  ser  reelegidos  sino  con  inter-  but  neither  can  be  reelected  until 

valo  de  un  periodo.  after  an  intermission   of    a   full 

term. 

Art.  78.  El   Presidente  de   la  Art.  78.  The    President    shall 

Nacion   cesa  en  el  Poder  el  dia  cease  to  exercise  his  powers  on  the 

mismo  en  que  expira  su  periodo  same  day  on  which  his  term  of  six 

de  seis  anos,  sin  que  evento  alguno  years  expires;  and  no  event  of  any 

a  Law  of  September  19,  1868. 

El  Senado  y  Camara  de  Diputados,  etc. 

Articulo  1°.  En  caso  de  acefalia  de  la  Republica,  por  falta  de  Presidente  y  Vice- 
presidente de  la  Nacion,  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  sera  desempenado,  en  primer  lugar,  por 
el  Presidente  provisorio  del  Senado,  en  segundo  por  el  Presidente  de  la  Camara  de 
Diputados,  y  a  falta  de  £stos,  por  el  Presidente  de  la  Corte  Suprema. 

Art.  2°.  Treinta  dias  antes  de  terminar  el  periodo  de  las  sesiones  ordinarias,  cada 
Camara  nombrara  su  Presidente  para  los  efectos  de  esta  ley. 

Art.  3°.  El  funcionario  llamado  a  ejercer  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  Nacional  en  los  casos 
del  artfculo  primero,  convocara  al  pueblo  de  la  Republica  a  nueva  election  de  Presi- 
dente y  Vicepresidente  dentro  de  los  treinta  dias  siguientes  a  su  instalacion  en  el 
mando,  siempre  que  la  inhabilidad  de  aquellos  sea  perpetua. 

Art.  4°.  El  funcionario  que  haya  de  ejercer  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  en  los  casos  del 
artfculo  1°.  de  esta  ley,  al  tomar  posesion  del  cargo,  ante  el  Congreso,  y  en  su 
ausencia,  ante  la  Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia,  prestara  el  juramento  que  prescribe  el 
artfculo  80  de  la  Constitution. 

(Translation.) 

The  Senate  and  the  Chamber  of  Deputies,  etc. 

Article  1.  In  case  of  vacancy  of  both  the  Presidency  and  vice-presidency  of  the 
Nation,  the  Executive  power  shall  be  vested  first  in  the  president  pro  tern  of  the 
Senate,  second  in  the  speaker  of  the  Chamber  of  Deputies,  and  third,  in  the  chief 
justice  of  the  supreme  court. 

Art.  2.  For  the  purposes  of  this  law  each  chamber  shall  appoint  its  presiding  officer 
thirty  days  before  the  closing  of  the  ordinary  session. 

Art.  3.  The  functionary  called  upon  to  discharge  the  duties  of  the  Executive, 
according  to  article  1  of  this  law,  shall,  if  the  absence  or  disability  of  the  President 
and  vice-president  is  permanent,  order  a  new  election  of  President  and  vice-president 
to  be  held  within  thirty  days  after  his  installation  in  office. 

Art.  4.  The  functionary  who  shall  exercise  the  Executive  power  in  the  cases  of 
article  1  of  this  law,  shall,  on  entering  into  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  take  before 
Congress,  and  in  its  absence  before  the  supreme  court  of  justice,  the  oath  prescribed 
by  article  80  of  the  Constitution. 


120 


THE   ARGENTINE    NATION. 


que  lo  haya  interrumpido  pueda 
ser  motivo  de  que  se  le  complete 
mas  tarde. 

Art.  79.  El  Presidente  y  Vice- 
presidente  disfrutan  de  un  sueldo 
pagado  por  el  tesoro  de  la  Nacion, 
que  no  podra  ser  alterado  en  el 
periodo  de  sus  nombramientos. 
Durante  el  mismo  periodo  no  po- 
dran  ejercer  otro  empleo,  ni  reci- 
bir  ningun  otro  emolumento  de  la 
Nacion,  ni  de  Provineia  alguna. 

Art.  80.  Al  tomar  posesion  de 
su  cargo  el  Presidente  y  Vieepre- 
sidente  prestaran  juramento  en 
manos  del  Presidente  del  Sehfido 
(la  primera  vez  del  Presidente  del 
Congreso  Constituyente),  estando 
reunido  el  Congreso,  en  los  termi- 
nos  siguientes: 


k'Yo,  ,  juro  por 

Dios  Nuestro  Senor  y  estos  Santos 
Evangelios,  desempenar  con  leal- 
tad  y  patriotismo  el  cargo  de  Pre- 
sidente (6  Vicepresidente)  de  la 
Nacion,  y  observar  y  hacer  obser- 
var  fielmente  la  Constitution  de 
la  Nacion  Argentina.  Si  asi  no 
lo  hiciese,  Dios  y  la  Nacion  me  lo 
demanden." 

Capitulo  II. 

De  la  forma  y  tiempo  de  la  eleccion  del  Pre- 
sidente y  Vicepresidente  de  la  Nacidn. 

Art.  81.  La  eleccion  del  Presi- 
dente y  Vicepresidente  de  la  Nacion 
se  hara  del  modo  siguiente:  La 
Capital  y  cada  una  de  las  Provin- 
cias  nombraran  por  votacion  di- 
recta  una  junta  de  electores  igual 
al  duplo  del  total  de  Diputados  y 
Senadores  que  envian  al  Congreso, 
con  las  mismas  calidades  y  bajo  las 
mismas  formas  prescritas  para  la 
eleccion  de  Diputados. 


kind  which  may  have  interrupted 
said  term  shall  ever  be  alleged  as 
a  reason  for  completing  it  after- 
wards. 

Art.  79.  The  President  and 
vice-president  shall  receive  for 
their  services  a  compensation,  to 
be  paid  by  the  national  treasury, 
the  amount  of  which  shall  not  be 
changed  duringtheirtermof  office. 
During  the  same  period  they  shall 
not  be  qualified  to  fill  any  other 
office  or  receive  any  other  emolu- 
ment, either  national  or  provincial. 

Art.  80.  On  entering  upon  the 
discharge  of  their  duties  the  Presi- 
dent and  the  vice-president  shall 
take  an  oath,  which  shall  be  admin- 
istered to  them  the  first  time  by  the 
president  of  the  Constitutional 
Convention  and  subsequently  by 
the  president  of  the  Senate,  Con- 
gress being  in  session,  in  the  fol- 
lowing terms: 

"  I, ,  do  swear,  be- 
fore God  our  Lord  and  these  Holy 
Gospels  to  fill  lo3rally  and  patriot- 
ically the  office  of  President  (or 
vice-president)  of  the  Nation,  and 
observe  and  cause  others  to  ob- 
serve, faithfully,  the  Constitution 
of  the  Argentine  Nation.  Should 
I  fail  to  do  so,  may  God  and  the 
Nation  demand  it  of  me." 

Chapter  II. 

Manner  and  time  of  electing  the  President 
and  vice-president  of  the  Nation. 

Art.  81.  The  election  of  the 
President  and  vice-president  of 
the  Nation  shall  be  made  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner:  The  capital  and 
each  one  of  the  Provinces  shall  ap- 
point, by  direct  vote,  an  electoral 
college,  consisting  of  twice  as 
many  members  as  the  number  of 
senators  and  deputies  constituting 
their  respective  representation  in 
Congress,  who  shall  have  the  same 
qualifications,  and  shall  be  elected 
in  the  same  manner,  as  provided 
in  the  present  Constitution  for  the 
election  of  deputies. 


CONSTITUTION. 


121 


No  pueden  ser  electores  los  Di- 
putados,  los  Senadores,  ni  los  em- 
pleados  a  sueldo  del  Gobierno 
Federal. 

Reunidos  los  electores  en  la  Ca- 
pital de  la  Nacion  y  en  la  de  sus  Pro- 
vincias  respectivas  cuatro  meses 
antes  que  concluya  el  termino  del 
Presidente  cesante,  procederan  a 
elegir  Presidente  y  Vicepresidente 
de  la  Nacion,  por  cedulas  firmadas, 
expresando  en  una  la  persona  por 
quien  votan  para  Presidente,  y  en 
otra  distinta  la  que  eligen  para 
Vicepresidente. 


Se  haran  dos  listas  de  todos  los 
individuos  electos  para  Presidente, 
y  otras  dos  de  los  nombrados  para 
Vicepresidente  con  el  numero  de 
votos  que  cada  uno  de  ellos  hubiese 
obtenido.  Estas  listas  seran  firma- 
das por  los  electores,  3r  se  remiti- 
ran  cerradas  y  selladas  dos  de  ellas 
(una  de  cada  clase)  al  Presidente 
de  la  Legislatura  Provincial,  3^  en 
la  Capital  al  Presidente  de  la  Mu- 
nicipalidad,  en  cuyos  registros  per- 
maneceran  depositadas  y  cerradas; 
y  las  otras  dos  al  Presidente  del 
Senado  (la  primera  vez  al  Presi- 
dente del  Congreso  Constituyente). 


Art.  82.  El  Presidente  del  Sena- 
do  (la  primera  vez  el  del  Congre- 
so Constituyente),  reunidas  todas 
las  listas,  las  abrira  a  presencia  de 
ambas  Camaras.  Associados  a  los 
Secretarios  cuatro  miembros  del 
Congreso  sacados  a  la  suerte,  pro- 
cederan inmediatamente  a  hacer  el 
escrutinio  y  a  anunciar  el  numero 
de  sufragios  que  resulte  en  favor 
de  cada  candidate  para  la  Presi- 
dencia  y  Vicepresidencia  de  la  Na- 
cion. Los  que  reunan  en  ambos  ca- 
sos  la  mayoria  absoluta  de  todos 
los  votos,  seran  proclamados  inme- 
diatamente Presidente  y  Vicepre- 
sidente. 


Deputies,  senators,  and  officials 
receiving  pay  .^'rom  the  Federal 
Government,  shall  be  disqualified 
from  being  electors. 

Four  months  before  the  expira- 
tion of  the  Presidential  term,  the 
electors  chosen  by  the  capital  shall 
meet  in  the  capital,  and  those 
chosen  by  the  Provinces  in  their 
respective  capitals,  and  then  they 
shall  proceed  to  elect  by  ballot  the 
President  and  vice-president  of  the 
Nation.  Each  elector  shall  give 
his  vote  by  means  of  two  ballots 
signed  by  him,  one  expressing  his 
choice  for  President  and  the  other 
for  vice-president. 

Two  lists  shall  be  made  of  all 
the  persons  named  for  President 
and  two  others  of  those  named  for 
vice-president,  with  the  statement 
in  each  case  of  the  number  of  votes 
cast  in  favor  of  the  respective  can- 
didates. These  lists  shall  be  signed 
by  the  electors  and  sent  by  them 
under  sealed  envelope,  two  (one  of 
each  class)  to  the  president  of  the 
provincial  legislature,  and  in  the 
case  of  the  capital  to  the  president 
of  the  municipal  council — to  be 
filed  and  kept,  with  their  seals  un- 
broken, in  their  respective  ar- 
chives— and  the  other  two  to  the 
president  of  the  Senate  (the  first 
time  to  the  president  of  the  Con- 
stitutional Convention). 

Art.  82.  The  president  of  the 
Senate  (the  first  time  the  president 
of  the  Constitutional  Convention), 
having  all  the  lists  in  his  posses- 
sion, shall  open  them  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  two  chambers.  Four 
members  of  Congress,  selected  by 
lot,  shall  assist  the  secretaries  in 
counting  and  announcing  the  votes 
cast  for  each  candidate,  either  for 
President  or  for  vice-president  of 
the  Nation.  Those  receiving  in 
each  case  an  absolute  majority  of 
all  the  votes  shall  be  immediately 
proclaimed  President  or  vice- 
president. 


122 


THE    AKGENTINE    NATION. 


Art.  83.  En  el  caso  de  que  por 
dividirse  la  votacion  no  hubiere 
mayoria  absoluta,  elegira  el  Con- 

freso  entre  las  dos  personas  que 
ubiesen  obtenido  mayor  numero 
de  suf  ragios.  Si  la  primera  mayo- 
ria que  resultare  hubiese  cabido  a 
mas  de  dos  personas,  elegira  el 
Congreso  entre  todas  estas. 


Si  la  primera  mayoria  hubiese 
cabido  a  una  sola  persona,  y  la 
segunda  a  dos  6  mas,  elegira  el 
Congreso  entre  todas  las  personas 
que  hayan  obtenido  la  primera  y 
segunda  mayoria. 


Art.  84.  Esta  eleccion  se  hara 
a  pluralidad  absoluta  de  sufragios 
y  por  votacion  nominal.  Si  veri- 
ficada  la  primera  votacion,  no  re- 
sultare mayoria  absoluta,  se  hara 
segunda  vez  contrayendose  la  vota- 
cion a  las  dos  personas  que  en  la 
primera  hubiesen  obtenido  mayor 
numero  de  sufragios.  En  caso  de 
empate,  se  repetira  la  votacion  y 
si  resultase  nuevo  empate,  decidira 
el  Presidente  del  Senado  (la  pri- 
mera vez  el  del  Congreso  Consti- 
tuyente).  No  podra  hacerse  el 
escrutinio,  ni  la  rectificacion  de 
estas  elecciones,  sin  que  esten  pre- 
sentes  las  tres  cuartas  partes  del 
total  de  los  miembros  del  Con- 
greso. 

Art.  85.  La  eleccion  del  Presi- 
dente y  Vicepresidente  de  la  Na- 
cion  debe  quedar  concluida  en  una 
sola  sesion  del  Congreso,  publi- 
candose  en  seguida  el  resultado 
de  6sta  y  las  actas  electorales  por 
la  prensa. 

Capitulo  III. 
Atribuciones  del  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  86.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Nacion  tiene  las  siguientes  atribu- 
ciones: 

1.  Es  el  Jefe  Supremo  de  la 


Art.  83.  In  case  the  vote  is 
divided  and  no  absolute  majority 
can  thus  be  obtained,  Congress 
shall  make  the  election  by  choos- 
ing one  of  the  two  persons  who 
obtained  the  greatest  number  of 
votes.  If  the  first  majority  ob- 
tained proves  to  be  in  favor  of 
more  than  two  persons,  Congress 
shall  make  its  choice  from  among 
all  of  them. 

If  the  first  majority  obtained 
proves  to  be  in  favor  of  only  one 
person  and  two  or  more  persons 
are  favored  with  the  next  largest 
majority,  the  choice  of  Congress 
shall  be  made  from  among  all  those 
who  obtained  the  first  and  second 
majorities. 

Art.  84.  This  choice  shall  be 
made  by  an  absolute  majority  of 
votes,  the  name  of  each  voter  to 
be  entered  on  the  record.  If  the 
absolute  majority  is  not  secured 
on  the  first  ballot,  a  second  vote 
shall  be  taken,  but  only  to  select 
one  out  of  the  two  persons  in  whose 
favor  the  greatest  number  of  votes 
was  cast.  If  the  vote  is  equally 
divided  the  balloting  shall  be  re- 
peated, but  if  it  again  results  in 
an  equal  division,  the  president  of 
the  Senate  (the  first  time  the  presi- 
dent of  the  Constitutional  Conven- 
tion) shall  decide  by  his  vote. 
The  counting  of  the  votes  in  these 
elections  shall  not  be  made  with- 
out three-fourths  of  all  the  mem- 
bers of  Congress  being  present. 

Art.  85.  The  election  of  the 
President  and  vice-president  of 
the  Nation  shall  be  concluded  in  a 
single  sitting  of  Congress,  and  the 
result  thereof,  as  well  as  the  jour- 
nal of  the  electoral  proceedings, 
shall  be  published  immediately 
through  the  newspapers. 

Chapter  III. 

Powers  of  the  Executive. 

Art.  86.  The  President  of  the 
Nation  shall  have  the  following 
powers: 

1.  He  is  the  Chief  Magistrate  of 


CONSTITUTION. 


123 


Nacion,  y  tiene  a  su  cargo  la  ad- 
ministracion  general  del  pais. 


2.  Expide  las  instrucciones  y 
reglamentos  que  sean  necesarios 
para  la  ejecucion  de  las  lej'es  de  la 
Nacion,  cuidando  de  no  alterar  su 
espiritu  con  excepciones  reglamen- 
tarias. 

3.  Es  el  jefe  inmediato  y  local 
de  la  Capital  de  la  Nacion. 

4.  Participa  de  la  formacion  de 
las  leyes  con  arreglo  a  la  Constitu- 
cion,  las  sanciona  y  promulga. 


5.  Nombra  los  magistrados  de 
la  Corte  Suprema  y  de  los  deuias 
Tribunales  Federates  inferiores, 
con  acuerdo  del  Senado. 

6.  Puede  indultar  6  conmutar 
las  penas  por  delitos  sujetos  a 
la  jurisdiccion  federal,  previo 
informe  del  tribunal  correspon- 
diente,  excepto  en  los  casos  de 
acusacion  por  la  Camara  de  Dipu- 
tados. 

7.  Concede  jubilaciones,  retiros, 
licencias  y  goce  de  montepios  con- 
forme  a  las  leves  de  la  Nacion. 


8.  Ejerce  los  derechos  del  Patro- 
nato  Nacional  en  la  presentation 
de  Obispos  para  las  lglesias  Cate- 
drales,  a  propuesta  en  terna  del 
Senado. 

9.  Concede  el  pase  6  retiene  los 
decretos  de  los  concilios,  las  Bulas, 
Breves  yRescriptos  del  SumoPon- 
tifice  de  Roma  con  acuerdo  de  la 
Suprema  Corte;  requiriendose  una 
ley  cuando  contienen  disposiciones 
generates  y  permanentes. 


10.  Nombra  y  remueve  a  los  Mi- 
nistros  Plenipotenciarios  y  Encar- 


the  Nation,  and  has  in  his  charge 
the  general  administration  of  all 
the  executive  business  of  the 
country. 

2.  He  may  issue  all  the  instruc- 
tions and  rules  necessary  for  the 
execution  of  the  laws  of  the  Na- 
tion, taking  care  that  the  spirit 
of  said  laws  is  not  changed  nor 
their  scope  limited  by  exceptions 
through  the  said  regulations. 

3.  He  is  the  chief  local  authority 
of  the  capital  of  the  Nation. 

4.  He  assists,  in  the  manner  pro- 
vided by  the  Constitution,  in  mak- 
ing the  laws,  gives  them  his  ap- 
proval, and  causes  them  to  be  pro- 
mulgated. 

5.  He  appoints,  with  the  advice 
and  consent  of  the  Senate,  the  jus- 
tices of  the  supreme  court  and  of 
all  other  Federal  tribunals. 

6.  He  may  grant  pardons  and 
commutations  of  sentences  upon 
report  of  the  trial  courts,  in  cases 
of  offenses  subject  to  Federal 
jurisdiction,  except,  however,  in 
cases  of  impeachment  by  the 
Chamber  of  Deputies. 

7.  He  may  place  on  the  retired 
list  with  pa}r,  when  so  permitted  by 
the  laws  of  the  Nation,  all  classes 
of  national  officials,  and  grant  pen- 
sions and  leaves  of  absence  in 
accordance  with  the  same  laws. 

8.  He  exercises  the  right  of  ec- 
clesiastical patronage  by  present- 
ing for  each  national  diocese  the 
name  of  a  bishop,  selected  out  of 
three  suggested  to  him  for  this 
purpose  by  the  Senate. 

9.  He  can,  with  the  advice  and 
consent  of  the  supreme  court, 
grant  or  refuse  passage  to  decrees 
of  the  councils,  bulls,  briefs,  and 
rescripts  of  the  Supreme  Pontiff 
of  Rome;  but  said  grant  or  refusal 
shall  be  made  by  law,  whenever 
the  ecclesiastical  enactments  af- 
fected by  either  action  contain 
provisions  of  general  or  perma- 
nent character. 

10.  He  appoints  or  removes, 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 


124 


THE    ARGENTINE    NATION. 


fados  de  Negocios  con  acuerdo  del 
enado;  y  por  si  solo  nombra  y  re- 
mueve  los  Ministros  del  despacho, 
los  Oficiales  de  sus  Secretanas,  los 
Agentes  consulares  y  demas  em- 
pleados  de  la  Administration, cuyo 
nombramiento  no  esta  reglado  de 
otra  manera  por  esta  Constitution. 

11.  Haceanualmentelaapertura 
de  las  sesiones  del  Congreso,  reu- 
nidas  al  efecto  ambas  Caraaras  en 
la  Sala  del  Senado,  dando  cuenta 
en  esta  ocasion  al  Congreso  del 
estado  de  la  Nation,  de  las  ref  ormas 
prometidas  por  la  Constitution,  y 
recomendando  &  su  consideration 
las  medidas  que  juzgue  necesarias 
y  convenientes. 

12.  Prorroga  las  sesiones  ordi- 
narias  del  Congreso,  6  lo  convoca 
a  sesiones  extraordinarias,  cuando 
un  grave  interns  de  orden  6  de 
progreso  lo  requiera. 

13.  Hace  recaudar  las  rentas  de 
la  Nation  y  decreta  su  inversion 
con  arreglo  a  la  ley  6  presupuestos 
de  gastos  nacionales. 


14.  Concluj^e  y  firma  tratados  de 
paz,  de  comercio,  de  navegacion, 
de  alianza,  de  limites  y  de  neutra- 
lidad,  concordatos  y  otras  negocia- 
ciones  requeridas  para  el  manteni- 
miento  de  buenas  relaciones  con 
las  potencias  extranjeras,  recibe 
sus  Ministros  y  admite  sus  Con- 
sules. 

15.  Es  comandante  en  jefe  de 
todas  las  f  uerzas  de  mar  y  de  tierra 
de  la  Nation. 

16.  Provee  los  empleos  militares 
de  la  Nation;  con  acuerdo  del  Se- 
nado, en  la  concesion  de  los  empleos 
ogrados  de  oficiales  superiores  del 
Ejercitoy  Armada;  y  por  si  solo  en 
el  campo  de  batalla. 


Senate,  the  ministers  plenipoten- 
tiary and  charges  d'affaires,  and  by 
himself  alone,  without  senatorial 
action,  the  cabinet  ministers,  the 
officials  of  the  departments,  the 
consular  agents,  and  all  the  Gov- 
ernment employees  whose  appoint- 
ment is  not  otherwise  provided  for 
by  the  present  Constitution. 

11.  He  opens  every  year,  in  the 
presence  of  the  two  chambers  as- 
sembled for  this  purpose  in  the 
hall  of  the  Senate,  the  sessions  of 
Congress,  on  which  occasion  he 
shall  furnish  information  as  to  the 
state  of  the  Nation,  and  the  prog- 
ress made  in  the  work  of  reform 
promised  by  the  Constitution,  rec- 
ommending such  measures  as  he 
may  deem  advisable. 

12.  He  may  prorogue  Congress 
when  sitting  inordinary  session,  or 
convene  it  in  extraordinary  ses- 
sion, when  some  grave  interest  of 
order  or  progress  may  require  it. 

13.  He  causes  the  revenue  of 
the  Nation  to  be  collected,  and  de- 
crees the  disbursement  of  the  na- 
tional moneys,  in  conformity  with 
the  provisions  of  the  appropria- 
tion laws. 

14.  He  concludes  and  signs  trea- 
ties of  peace,  commerce,  naviga- 
tion, alliance,  limits,  and  neutral- 
ity, as  well  as  concordats  and  all 
other  arrangements  or  agreements 
required  for  the  maintenance  .  of 
friendly  relations  with  foreign 
powers.  He  also  receives  the  min- 
isters accredited  by  the  latter  and 
admits  their  consuls. 

15.  He  is  the  commander  in  chief 
of  all  the  land  and  naval  forces  of 
the  Nation. 

16.  He  appoints  all  the  military 
officers  of  the  Nation ;  but  the 
advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate 
shall  be  required  when  the  position 
to  be  filled,  or  the  rank  to  be  given, 
is  that  of  a  superior  officer  in 
either  the  army  or  the  navy. 
When  the  appointments  or  conces- 
sions of  rank  are  made  on  the 
battlefield,  senatorial  approval  is 
not  necessary. 


CONSTITUTION. 


125 


17.  Dispone  de  las  fuerzas  mi- 
litares  maritimas  y  terrestres,  y 
corre  con  su  organizacion  y  distri- 
bucion  segun  las  necesidades  de 
la  Nacion. 

18.  Declara  la  guerra  y  concede 
patentes  de  corso  y  cartas  de  repre- 
salias  con  autorizacion  y  aproba- 
cion  del  Congreso. 

19.  Declara  en  estado  de  sitio 
uno  6  varios  puntos  de  la  Nacion 
en  caso  de  ataque  exterior  y  por 
un  termino  limitado,  con  acuerdo 
delSenado.  Encasodeconmocioh 
interior,  solo  tiene  esta  facultad 
cuando  el  Congreso  esta  en  receso, 
porque  es  atribucion  que  corres- 
ponde  a  este  Cuerpo.  El  Presi- 
dente  la  ejerce  con  las  limitaciones 
prescritas  en  el  articulo  23. 


20.  Puede  pedir  a  los  jefes  de 
todos  los  ramos  y  Departamentos 
de  la  Administracion,  y  por  su 
conducto,  a  los  demas  empleados, 
los  inf  ormes  que  crea  con  venientes, 
37  ellos  son  obligados  a  darlos. 

21.  No  puede  ausentarse  del 
territorio  de  la  Capital,  sino  con 
permiso  del  Congreso.  En  el  re- 
ceso de  este,  solo  podra  hacerlo 
sin  licencia  por  graves  objetos  de 
servicio  publico. 


22.  El  Presidente  tendra  facul- 
tad para  llenar  las  vacantes  de  los 
empleos  que  requieran  el  acuerdo 
del  Senado,  y  que  ocurran  durante 
su  receso,  por  medio  de  nombra- 
mientos  en  comision  que  expiraran 
al  fin  de  la  proxima  Legislatura. 

Capitulo  IV. 
De  los  Minislros  del,  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  87. a  Cinco  Ministros  Se- 
cretaries, a  saber: — del  Interior,  de 
Relaciones  Exteriores,  de  Hacien- 
da, de  Justicia,  Culto  e  Instruc- 


17.  He  manages  the  land  and 
naval  forces  of  the  Nation  and 
attends  to  their  organization  and 
distribution,  according  to  the  ne- 
cessities of  the  case. 

18.  He,  with  the  authority  and 
approval  of  Congress,  declares  war 
and  grant  letters  of  marque  and 
reprisal. 

19.  He  declares,  with  the  con- 
sent of  the  Senate,  one  or  several 
points  of  the  Nation  to  be,  for  a 
limited  time,  in  case  of  foreign 
attack,  in  a  state  of  siege.  Should 
the  trouble  be  domestic,  the  decla- 
ration of  a  state  of  siege  can  be 
made  by  the  President  if  Congress 
is  not  in  session;  otherwise  the 
power  to  make  it  belongs  to  that 
body.  The  President  shall  exer- 
cise this  power  with  the  limitations 
established  by  article  23. 

20.  He  may  ask  of  the  heads  of 
all  the  bureaus  and  departments 
of  the  Government,  and  through 
them  of  all  other  employees,  what- 
ever information  he  may  desire, 
and  said  officials  are  bound  to 
furnish  it. 

21.  The  President  shall  not  leave 
the  national  capital  without  the 
permission  of  Congress.  During 
the  recess  of  the  latter,  he  may, 
however,  absent  himself  from  the 
capital  without  such  permission,  if 
some  grave  necessity  of  the  pub- 
lic service  shall  demand  it. 

22.  He  shall  have  the  power  to 
fill  all  vacancies  occurring  during 
the  recess  of  Congress  and  requir- 
ing the  approval  of  the  Senate. 
In  this  case  the  appointment  shall 
expire  at  the  close  of  the  next 
session. 

Chapter  IV. 

The  members  of  the  cabinet. 

Art.  87. a  Five  ministers,  secre- 
taries of  state — respectively  named 
of  the  interior,  of  foreign  affairs, 
of  the  treasury,  of  justice,  worship, 


"See  Article  as  amended  March  15,  1898,  page  132. 


126 


THE    AKGENTINE    NATION. 


cion  Publica  y  de  Guerra  y  Ma- 
rina— tendran  a  su  cargo  el  des- 
pacho  de  los  negocios  de  la  Nacion, 
y  refrendaran  y  legal  izaran  los 
actos  del  Presidente  por  medio  de 
su  firma,  sin  euyo  requisite)  carecen 
deeficacia.  Unaleydeslindaralos 
ramos  del  respectivo  despacho  de 
los  Ministros. 

Art.  88.  Cada  Ministro  es  res- 

f)onsable  de  los  actos  que  lega- 
iza;  y  solidariamente  de  los  que 
acuerda  con  sus  colegas. 


Art.  89.  Los  Ministros  no  pue- 
den  por  si  solos,  en  ningun  caso, 
tomar  resoluciones,  a  excepcion  de 
lo  concerniente  al  regimen  eco- 
nomico  y  administrativo  de  sus 
respectivos  Departamentos. 

Art.  90.  Luego  que  el  Congreso 
abra  sus  sesiones,  deberan  los  Mi- 
nistros del  despacho  presentarle 
una  memoria  detallada  del  estado 
de  la  Nacion,  en  lo  relativo  a  los 
negocios  de  sus  respectivos  Depar- 
tamentos. 

Art.  91.  No  pueden  ser  Sena- 
dores  ni  Diputados,  sin  hacerdimi- 
sion  de  sus  empleos  de  Ministros. 

Art.  92.  Pueden  los  Ministros 
concurrir  a  las  sesiones  del  Con- 
greso y  tomar  parte  en  sus  debates, 
pero  no  votar. 

Art.  93.  Gozaran  por  sus  servi- 
cios  de  un  sueldo  establecido  por 
la  ley,  que  no  podra  ser  aumen- 
tado  ni  disminuido  en  favor  6  per- 
juicio  de  los  que  se  hallen  en  ejer- 
cicio.    . 

Secci6n  Tkrcera. 

Del  Poder  Judicial. 

Capitulo  I. 

De  su  naturaleza  y  duracion. 

Art.  94.  El  Poder  Judicial  de 
la  Nacion  sera  ejercido  por  una 
Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia,  y  por 


and  public  instruction,  and  of  war 
and  the  navy — shall  have  charge  of 
the  Nation's  business,  and  shall 
countersign  and  attest  all  the  acts 
of  the  President;  and  none  of  these 
acts  shall  have  validity  when  lack- 
ing the  signature  of  the  respective 
ministers.  The  scope  of  the  busi- 
ness of  each  department  shall  be 
determined  by  law. 

Art.  88.  Each  minister  is  indi- 
vidually responsible  for  the  acts 
signed  by  him,  and  jointly  and 
severally  for  all  other  acts  agreed 
upon  between  him  and  his  col- 
leagues. 

Art.  89.  The  ministers  shall  not, 
in  any  case,  take  individual  action 
on  any  subject,  unless  it  is  concern- 
ing the  internal  government  of 
their  own  respective  departments. 

Art.  90.  As  soon  as  Congress 
meets,  each  minister  shall  submit 
to  it  a  report  on  the  state  of  the 
Nation,  as  far  as  represented  by 
his  own  department. 


Art.  91.  No  minister  shall  be 
either  senator  or  deputy  without 
first  resigning  his  position  in  the 
cabinet. 

Art.  92.  The  ministers  may  at- 
tend the  sessions  of  Congress  and 
take  part  in  the  debates,  but  they 
shall  nave  no  vote. 

Art.  93.  The  ministers  shall  re- 
ceive for  their  services  a  salary 
established  by  law;  but  this  salary 
shall  not  be  increased  or  decreased 
in  favor  or  against  the  incumbent 
of  the  position. 

Section  Third. 

The  judicial  power 

Chapter  I. 

Its  nature  and  duration. 

Art.  94.  The  judicial  power  of 
the  nation  shall  be  vested  in  a  su- 
preme court  of  justice  and  in  the 


CONSTITUTION. 


127 


los  demas  Tribunales  inferiores 
que  el  Congreso  estableciese  en  el 
territorio  de  la  Nacion. 

Art.  95.  En  ningun  caso  el 
Presidente  de  la  Nacion  puede 
ejercer  funciones  judiciales,  arro- 
garse  el  conocimiento  de  causas 
pendientes  6  restablecer  las  fene- 
cidas. 

Art.  96.  Los  Jueces  de  la  Corte 
Suprema  y  de  los  Tribunales  in- 
feriores de  la  Nacion  conservaran 
sus  empleos  mientras  dure  su 
buena  conducta,  y  recibiran  por 
susserviciosunacompensacion  que 
determinara  la  ley,  y  que  no 
podra  ser  disminuida  en  manera 
alguna,  mientras  permaneciesen  en 
sus  funciones. 

Art.  97.  Ninguno  podra  ser 
miembro  de  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia,  sin  ser  Abogado  de  la 
Nacion,  con  ocho  alios  de  ejercicio, 
y  tener  las  calidades  requeridas 
para  ser  Senador. 

Art.  98.  En  la  primera  instala- 
cion  de  la  Corte  Suprema,  los 
individuos  nombrados  prestaran 
juramento  en  manos  del  Presidente 
de  la  Nacion,  de  desempenar  sus 
obligaciones,  administrando  justi- 
cia bien  y  legalmente,  y  en  con- 
f  ormidad  a  lo  que  prescribe  la  Cons- 
titucion.  En  lo  sucesivo  lo  pres- 
taran ante  el  Presidente  de  la 
misma  Corte. 

Art.  99.  La  Corte  Suprema 
dictara  su  reglamento  interior  y 
economico,  y  nombrara  todos  sus 
empleados  subalternos. 


inferior  tribunals  which  Congress 
may  establish  in  the  national  ter- 
ritory. 

Art.  95.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  not  in  any  case 
exercise  judicial  functions,  as- 
sume jurisdiction  of  any  pending 
cause,  or  reopen  cases  already 
decided. 

Art.  96.  The  justices  of  the 
supreme  court  and  the  judges  of 
the  inferior  tribunals  shall  hold 
their  offices  during  good  behavior, 
and  shall  receive  for  their  services 
a  compensation  to  be  fixed  by  law, 
which  shall  never  be  diminished 
in  any  way  or  manner  while  ex- 
ercising their  functions. 

Art.  97.  No  one  shall  be  a 
justice  of  the  supreme  court  of 
the  Nation  who  is  not  a  lawyer, 
with  eight  years'  practice  in  the 
national  courts,  and  has  not,  fur- 
thermore, the  qualifications  neces- 
sary to  be  a  senator. 

Art.  98.  On  the  first  assembling 
of  the  supreme  court  under  the 
present  Constitution,  the  members 
thereof  shall  take  an  oath,  which 
shall  be  administered  to  them  by 
the  President  of  the  Nation,  to 
fulfill  their  duties,  and  administer 
justice  well  and  legally  and  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  provisions  of 
the  Constitution.  In  the  future 
the  oath  shall  be  administered  to 
them  by  the  chief  justice. 

Art.  99.  The  supreme  court 
shall  make  proper  rules  for  the 
transaction  of  its  business,  and 
shall  appoint  all  its  subordinate 
employees. 


Capitulo  II. 
Atribuciones  del  Poder  Judicial. 

Art.  100.  Corresponde  a  la 
Corte  Suprema  y  a  los  Tribu- 
nales inferiores  de  la  Nacion,  el 
conocimiento  y  decision  de  todas 
las  causas  que  versen  sobre  puntos 
regidos  por  la  Constitution,  y  por 


Chapter  II. 
Functions  of  the  judicial  power. 

Art.  100.  The  supreme  court, 
as  well  as  the  Federal  inferior  tri- 
bunals, shall  have  jurisdiction  in 
all  cases  and  causes  not  mentioned 
in  clause  11,  article  67  of  the  pres- 
ent Constitution,  involving  points 


128 


THE    ARGENTINE    NATION. 


las  leyes  de  la  Nacion,  con  la 
reserva  hecha  en  el  inciso  11  del 
articulo  67,  y  por  los  Tratados  con 
las  Naciones  extranjeras:  de  las 
causas  concernientes  a  Embaia- 
dores,  Ministros  Publicos  y  Con- 
sulesextranjeros:  de  las  causas  de 
almirantazgo  y  jurisdiccion  mari- 
tima:  de  los  asuntos  en  que  la 
Nacion  sea  parte:  de  las  causas 
que  se  susciten  entre  dos  6  mas 
Provincias;  entre  una  Provincia  y 
los  vecinos  de  otra;  entre  los 
vecinos  de  dife rentes  Provincias; 
y  entre  una  Provincia  6  sus  ve- 
cinos, contra  un  Estado  6  ciuda- 
dano  extranjero. 

Art.  101.  EnestoscasoslaCorte 
Suprema  ejercera  su  jurisdiccion 
por  apelacion  segiin  las  reglas  y 
excepciones  que  prescriba  el  Con- 
greso;  pero  en  todos  los  asuntos 
concernientes  a  Em baj adores,  Mi- 
nistros y  Consules  extranjeros,  y 
en  los  que  alguna  Provincia  fuese 
parte,  la  ejercera  originaria  y 
exclusivamente. 

Art.  102.  Todos  los  juicios 
criminales  ordinarios,  que  no  se 
deriven  del  derecho  de  acusacion 
concedido  a  la  Camara  de  Diputa- 
dos  se  terminaran  por  jurados, 
luego  que  se  establezca  en  la  Re- 
publica  esta  institucion.  La  actua- 
tion de  estos  juicios  se  hara  en  la 
misma  Provincia  donde  se  hubiese 
cometido  el  delito;  pero  cuando 
este  se  com  eta  fuera  de  los  limites 
de  la  Nacion,  contra  el  Derecho  de 
Gentes,  el  Congreso  determinara 
por  una  ley  especial  el  lugar  en 
que  haya  de  seguirse  el  juicio. 

Art.  103.  La  traicion  contra  la 
Nacion  consistira  linicamente  en 
tomar  las  armas  contra  ella,  6  en 
unirse  a  sus  enemigos  prestandoles 
ayuda  y  socorro.  LI  Congreso 
fijara  por  una  ley  especial  la  pena 
de  este  delito;  pero  ella  no  pasara 
de  la  persona  del  delincuente,  ni 
la  infamia  del  reo  se  transmitira  a 
sus  parientes  de  cualquier  grado. 


to  be  decided  by  the  same  Consti- 
tution, the  Federal  laws,  or  foreign 
treaties;  cases  and  causes  concern- 
ing ambassadors,  public  ministers, 
and  foreign  consuls;  admiral tj' 
cases;  cases  falling  under  maritime 
jurisdiction;  cases  and  causes  in 
which  the  Nation  is  a  party  to  the 
contention;  and  cases  and  causes 
between  two  or  more  Provinces, 
or  between  a  Province  and  the 
citizens  of  another,  or  between 
citizens  of  different  Provinces  or 
between  a  Province  or  its  citizens 
against  a  foreign  citizen  or  State. 


Art.  101.  In  all  the  cases  and 
causes  above  named  the  supreme 
court  shall  have  appellate  juris- 
diction, under  such  rules  and  ex- 
ceptions thereto  as  Congress  may 
establish.  But  in  the  cases  con- 
cerning foreign  ambassadors,  min- 
isters, and  consuls,  and  in  those 
to  which  a  Province  shall  be  a 
party,  the  jurisdiction  of  the  court 
shall  be  original  and  exclusive. 

Art.  102.  The  trial  of  all  ordi- 
nary crimes,  except  in  cases  of 
impeachment,  shall  be  by  jur}T,  as 
soon  as  this  institution  is  estab- 
lished in  the  Nation.  Such  trials 
shall  take  place  in  the  Province 
where  the  offense  was  committed; 
but  when  the  wrong  was  done  out- 
side the  limits  of  the  Nation,  and  in 
violation  of  the  law  of  nations, 
Congress  shall  decide,  by  a  special 
law,  the  locality  in  which  the  trial 
shall  take  place. 


Art.  103.  Treason  against  the 
Nation  shall  consist  only  in  taking 
up  arms  against  it  or  in  joining  its 
enemies  and  lending  them  aid  and 
succor.  Congress  shall  by  a  spe- 
cial law  fix  the  penalty  for  this 
crime,  but  the  punishment  shall 
not  go  be37ond  the  person  of  the 
offender,  nor  shall  any  infamy  re- 
sulting therefrom  attaint  his  rela- 
tives in  whatever  degree. 


CONSTITUTION. 


129 


TfTULO   SEGUNDO. 

Gobiernos  de  Provincia. 

Art.  104.  Las  Provincias  con- 
servan  todo  el  poder  no  delegado 
por  esta  Constitucion  al  Gobierno 
Federal,  y  el  que  expresamente  se 
hayan  reservado  por  pactos  espe- 
ciales  al  tiempo  de  su  incorpora- 
cion. 

Art.  105.  Se  dan  sus  propias 
instituciones  locales  y  se  rigen  por 
ellas.  Eligen  sus  Gobernadores, 
sus  Legisladores  y  demas  f  uncio- 
narios  de  Provincia,  sin  interven- 
tion del  Gobierno  Federal. 


Art.  106.  Cada  Provincia  dicta 
su  propia  Constitucion,  conforme 
a  lo  dispuesto  en  el  articulo  5. 

Art.  107.  Las  Provincias  pue- 
den  celebrar  tratados  parciales 
para  tines  de  administration  de 
justicia,  de  intereses  economicos 
y  trabajos  de  utilidad  comun, 
con  conocimiento  del  Congreso 
Federal;  y  promover  su  industria, 
la  inmigracion,  la  construction 
de  ferrocarriles  y  canales  navega- 
bles,  la  colonization  de  tierras  de 
propiedad  provincial,  la  introduc- 
tion y  establecimiento  de  nuevas 
industrias,  la  importation  de  capi- 
tales  extranjeros  y  la  exploration 
de  sus  rios,  por  leyes  protectoras 
de  estos  tines,  y  con  sus  recursos 
propios. 


Art.  108.  Las  Provincias  no 
ejercen  el  poder  delegado  a  la 
Nation.  No  pueden  celebrar  tra- 
tados parciales  de  caracter  politico; 
ni  expedir  leyes  sobre  comercio,  6 
navegacion  interior  6  exterior;  ni 
establecer  aduanas  provinciales; 
ni  acunar  inoneda;  ni  establecer 
ban  cos  con  facultad  de  emitir 
billetes,  sin  autorizacion  del  Con- 
greso  Federal;  ni  dictar  los 
360a— vol  1—06 9 


TITLE    SECOND. 

Provincial  Governments. 

Art.  104.  The  Provinces  retain 
all  the  powers  not  delegated  by 
the  present  Constitution  to  the 
Federal  Government,  and  those 
which  they  expressly  reserved, 
through  special  agreements  at  the 
time  of  their  coming  into  the 
Union. 

Art.  105.  Each  Province  shall 
have  its  own  local  institutions  and 
laws  and  shall  be  governed  by 
them.  They  shall  elect  their  gov- 
ernors, legislators,  and  provincial 
functionaries  of  all  classes  without 
intervention  of  the  Federal  Gov- 
ernment. 

Art.  106.  Each  Province  shall 
enact  its  own  constitution,  subject 
to  the  provisions  of  article  5. 

Art.  107.  The  Provinces  shall 
have  the  power  to  conclude,  with 
the  knowledge  of  the  Federal 
Congress,  such  partial  treaties  as 
they  may  deem  necessary  for  the 
purposes  of  administration  of 
justice,  regulation  of  financial  in- 
terests, or  the  execution  of  public 
works  of  common  utility,  and  to 
promote,  by  means  of  protective 
laws  and  at  their  own  expense, 
the  increase  of  their  own  indus- 
tries, the  immigration  into  their 
territories,  the  building  of  rail- 
roads and  navigable  canals,  the 
settlement  and  colonization  of  the 
provincial  lands,  the  introduction 
and  establishment  of  new  indus- 
tries, the  importation  of  foreign 
capital,  and  the  exploration  of 
their  rivers. 

Art.  108.  The  Provinces  shall 
not  exercise  any  power  delegated 
to  the  Nation.  They  shall  not, 
without  authority  from  the  Fed- 
eral Congress,  enter  into  any  par- 
tial treaties  of  a  political  charac- 
ter, or  pass  laws  relating  to  the 
domestic  or  foreign  commerce  or 
navigation,  or  establish  provincial 
custom-houses,  coin  money,  or 
create    banks   of    issue;     neither 


130 


THE    ARGENTINE    NATION. 


Codigos  civil,  comercial,  penal  y 
de  mineria,  despues  que  el  Con- 
greso  los  hay  a  sancionado;  ni  dic- 
tar  especialmente  leyes  sobre 
eiudadania  y  naturalization,  ban- 
carrotas,  falsification  de  moneda 
6  documentos  del  Estado;  ni 
establecer  derechos  de  tonelaje; 
ni  armar  buques  de  guerra  6 
levantar  ejercitos,  salvo  el  caso  de 
invasion  exterior  6  de  un  peligro 
tan  inminente  que  no  aduiita  dila- 
tion, dando  luego  cuenta  al  Go- 
bierno  Federal;  ni  nombrar  6 
recibir  Agentes  extranjeros;  ni 
admitir  nuevas  ordenes  religiosas. 


Art.  109.  Ninguna  Provincia 
puede  declarer,  ni  hacer  la  guerra 
a  otra  Provincia.  Sus  quejas 
deben  ser  sometidas  a  la  Corte 
Suprema  de  Justicia  y  dirimidas 
por  ella.  ,  Sus  hostilidades  de 
necho  son  actos  de  guerra  civil, 
calificados  de  sedition  6  asonada, 
que  el  Gobierno  Federal  debe 
sofocar  y  reprimir  conforme  a  la 
ley. 

Art.  110.  Los  Gobernadores  de 
Provincia  son  Agentes  naturales 
del  Gobierno  Federal  para  hacer 
cumplir  la  Constitucion  y  las  leyes 
de  la  Nation. 

Sala  de  Sesiones  de  la  Conven- 
tion Nacional,  en  la  ciudad  de  Santa 
Fe,  a  los  veinticinco  dias  del  mes 
de  Setiembre  del  ano  mil  ocho- 
cientos  sesenta. 


shall  they  enact  any  civil,  commer- 
cial, criminal,  or  mining  codes, 
subsequent  to  the  promulgation 
of  the  national  ones  enacted  by 
Congress,  or  pass  especial  laws  on 
the  subjects  of  citizenship,  natu- 
ralization, bankruptcy,  and  coun- 
terfeiting of  money  or  Govern- 
ment bonds,  or  establish  tonnage 
dues,  arm  war  vessels,  or  raise 
armies,  except  in  case  of  foreign 
invasion  or  of  such  imminent  dan- 
ger as  to  admit  of  no  delaj7,  and 
on  condition  that  they  give  full 
account  thereof  to  tne  Federal 
Government,  or  appoint  or  re- 
ceive foreign  agents,  or  admit  new 
religious  orders. 

Art.  109.  No  Province  shall  de- 
clare or  wage  war  against  another. 
Their  complaints  against  each  other 
must  be  submitted  to  and  settled  by 
the  supreme  court  of  justice.  Ac- 
tual hostilities  on  the  part  of  one 
Province  against  another  shall  be 
deemed  acts  of  civil  war,  seditious 
and  riotous,  which  the  Federal 
Government  should  put  down  and 
repress  according  to  law. 

Art.  110.  The  governors  of  the 
Provinces  shall  be  the  natural 
agents  of  the  Federal  Government 
for  the  enforcement  of  the  Consti- 
tution and  the  laws  of  the  Nation. 

Hall  of  Sessions  of  the  National 
Convention  at  the  city  of  Santa  Fe, 
on  the  25th  day  of  September,  1860. 


AMENDMENTS  TO  CONSTITUTION. 


ENMIENDAS  ADOFTADAS  EL  12  DE 
SETIEMBRE  DE  1866 

LaConvencion  Nacional  sanciona 
lo  siguiente: 

Primero.  Suprimese  del  articulo 
4  de  la  Constitucion  Nacional  la 
parte  que  sigue:  "hasta  1866  con 
arreglo  a  lo  estatuido  en  el  inciso 


AMENDMENTS  ADOPTED  SEPTEMBER 
12,   1866. 

The  national  convention  enacts 
the  following: 

First.  That  part  of  article  4  of 
the  National  Constitution  which 
reads:  "Until  1866,  in  conformity 
with  the  enactments  of  article  67, 


AMENDMENTS    TO    CONSTITUTION. 


131 


1  del  articulo  67,"  debiendo  que- 
dar  dicho  articulo  4  en  los  ter- 
minos  siguientes: 

El  Gobierno  Federal  provee  a 
los  gastos  de  la  Nacion  con  los 
fondos  del  Tesoro  Nacional,  for- 
mado  del  producto  de  derechos  de 
importacion  y  exportacion,  del  de 
la  venta  6  locacion  de  tierras  de 
propiedad  nacional;  de  la  rentade 
correos;  de  las  demas  contribu- 
ciones  que  equitativa  y  propor- 
cionalmente  a  la  poblacion  im- 
ponga  el  Congreso  General;  y  de 
los  emprestitos  y  operaciones  de 
credito  que  decrete  el  mismo  Con- 
greso para  urgencias  de  la  Nacion 
6  para  empresas  de  utilidad  na- 
cional. 

Segundo.  Suprimeseigualmente 
la  parte  final  del  inciso  1,  del 
articulo  67,  que  dice :  k '  hasta  1866, 
en  cuya  fecha  cesaran  como  im- 
puesto  nacional,  no  pudiendo  serlo 
provincial."  En  consecuencia que- 
dara  dicho  inciso  1  como  sigue: 

(1)  Legislar  sobre  las  aduanas 
exteriores  y  establecer  los  derechos 
de  importacion,  los  cuales  asi  como 
las  avaluaciones  que  recaigan,  se- 
ran  uniformes  en  toda  la  Nacion, 
bien  entendido  que  esta,  asi  como 
las  demas  contribuciones  naciona- 
les,  podran  ser  satisfechas  en  la 
moneda  que  fuese  corriente  en  las 
Provincias  respectivas  por  su  justo 
equivalente.  Establecer  igual- 
mente  los  derechos  de  exporta- 
cion. 

ENMIENDAS  ADOPTADAS  EL  15  DE 
MARZO  DE  1898. 

La  Convencion  Nacional  reunida 
en  la  Capital  de  la  Republica,  a 
los  efectos  de  la  ley  numero  3507, 
de  3  de  Septiembre  de  1867,  san- 
ciona : 

Primero.  Quedan  ref ormados  los 
articulos  37  y  87  de  la  Constitu- 
cion  Nacional,  en  la  siguiente 
forma: 

Art.  37.  La  Camara  de  Dipu- 
tados  se  compondra  de  represen- 


Clause  I,"  shall  be  stricken  out, 
the  said  article  to  read  as  follows: 

The  Federal  Government  shall 
defray  the  expenses  of  the  Nation 
with  funds  of  the  national  treas- 
ury, consisting  of:  receipts  from 
import  and  export  duties;  pro- 
ceeds of  the  sale  or  lease  of  na- 
tional lands;  yieldings  of  the  pos- 
tal service;  taxes  levied  by  the 
general  Congress  equitably  and  in 
proportion  to  the  population,  and 
moneys  obtained  through  loans 
and  financial  operations  decreed 
by  Congress  for  urgent  national 
necessities  or  for  works  of  national 
utility. 

Second.  The  last  part  of  Clause 
I,  article  67,  which  reads:  "  Up  to 
1866,  at  which  time  they  shall  cease 
to  be  either  national  or  provincial 
taxes,"  shall  be  stricken  out,  so  as 
to  make  said  clause  read  as  follows: 

(1)  To  legislate  in  regard  to  cus- 
tom-houses and  foreign  commerce 
and  establish  import  duties  which, 
as  well  as  the  rates  of  appraisement 
on  which  they  must  be  based,  shall 
be  uniform  in  the  whole  Nation,  it 
being  understood,  however,  that 
these  duties  and  all  other  taxes  of 
national  character  may  be  paid  in 
the  currency  of  the  respective 
Provinces  in  their  just  equivalent 
value.  And  to  establish  likewise 
export  duties. 

AMENDMENTS  ADOPTED .  MARCH  15, 
1898. 

The  national  convention  assem- 
bled in  the  capital  of  the  Republic, 
in  pursuance  of  law  No.  3507  of 
September  3,  1867,  sanctions: 

First.  Articles  37  and  87  of  the 
National  Constitution  are  hereby 
amended  as  follows: 

Art.  37.  The  Chamber  of  Dep- 
uties shall  consist  of  representa- 


132 


THE    ARGENTINE    NATION. 


tantes  elegidos  directamente  por  el 
pueblo  de  las  provincias  y  de  la 
Capital,  que  se  consideran  a  este 
fin  como  distritos  electorates  de  un 
solo  Estado  y  a  simple  pluralidad 
de  suf  ragios.  El  numero  de  repre- 
sentantes  sera  de  uno  por  cada 
treinta  y  tres  rail  habitantes  6  f  rac- 
cion  que  no  baje  de  diez  y  seis  mil 
quinientos.  Despues  de  la  realiza- 
cion  de  cada  censo,  el  Congreso 
fijara  la  representation  con  arreglo 
al  mismo,  pudiendo  aumentar,  pero 
no  disrainuir,la  base  expresada  para 
cada  diputado. 

Art.  87.  Ocho  Ministros  Secre- 
taries tendran  a  su  cargo  el  despa- 
cho  de  los  negocios  dela  Nation  y 
ref  rendaran  y  legalizaran  los  actos 
del  Presidente  por  medio  de  su 
firma,  sin  cuyo  requisite  carecen 
de  eficacia.  Una  ley  especial  des- 
lindara  los  raraos  del  respectivo 
despacho  de  los  Ministros. 


tives  elected  directly  and  by  simple 
plurality  of  votes,  by  the  people  of 
the  Provinces  and  of  the  capital, 
which  shall  be  considered  for  this 
purpose  as  mere  electoral  districts 
of  a  single  State.  The  election 
shall  be  in  the  proportion  of  one 
deputy  for  each  thirty-three  thou- 
sand inhabitants  or  fraction  thereof 
of  not  less  than  sixteen  thousand 
five  hundred.  After  the  taking  of 
each  census  Congress  shall  fix, 
according  to  its  results,  the  rate 
of  representation,  which  in  no 
case  shall  be  less  than  the  one 
now  established. 

Art.  87.  Eight  ministers  or  sec- 
retaries shall  nave  charge  of  the 
affairs  of  the  Nation,  and  shall 
countersign  and  attest  all  acts  of 
the  President,  which  without  this 
requisite  shall  lack  validity.  A 
special  law  shall  determine  the 
business  of  each  department. 


THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  BRAZIL. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES. 

Brazil  was  an  Empire  until  November  15,  1889,  when  in  a  single 
day,  and  without  bloodshed,  the  monarchy  was  overthrown. 

Emperor  Dom  Pedro  II  abdicated  the  Crown,  and  a  republic  was 
established  on  the  basis  of  the  federation  of  the  provinces  raised  to  the 
condition  of  States. 

The  States  are:  Alagoas,  Amazonas,  Bahia,  Ceara,  Espirito  Santo, 
Goyaz,  Maranhao,  Matto-Grosso,  Minas  Geraes,  Para,  Parahyba, 
Parana,  Pernambuco,  Piauhy,  Rio  de  Janeiro,  Rio  Grande  do  Norte, 
Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  Santa  Catharina,  Sao  Paulo,  Sergipe. 


LIST  OF  IMPORTANT  BOOKS    TO  BE   CONSULTED  IN   REFERENCE  TO   THE 
CONSTITUTION   OF  BRAZIL. 

Constituicao  da  Republica  dos  Estados  Unidos  do  Brazil,  acompanhada  das  leis 


organicas  publicadas  desde  15  de  Novembro  de  1889.     Rio  de  Janeiro,  Imprensa 

national,  1891.     ( Official  publication. ) 
Freire,  Felisbello.     Historia  Constitucional  da  Republica  dos  Estados  Unidos  do 

Brazil.     Rio  de  Janeiro,  1894. 
Arosemena,  Justo.     Estudios  constitucionales  sobre  los  Gobiernos  de  la  America 

latina.     Paris,  1878. 
Rodrigues,  Jose    Carlos.     Constituicao   politica  do  Imperio  do  Brasil.     Rio  de 

Janeiro.     1 863. 
Paginas  d' Historia  constitucional  do  Brasil.     1840-1848.     Rio  de  Janeiro.     1870. 

133 


CONSTITUTION. 

(February  24,  1891.) 


Nos,  os  representantes  do  Povo 
Brazileiro,  reunidos  em  Congresso 
Constituinte,  paraorganizarum  re- 
gimen livre  e  democratico,  estabe- 
lecemos,  decretamos  e  promulga- 
mos  a  seguinte  Constituicao  da 
Republica  dos  Estados  Unidos  do 
Brazil. 

TITULO   I. 
DA  ORGANIZACAO  FEDERAL. 
DISPOSICOES   PRELIMINARE8. 

Artigo  1.  A  Nacao  Brazileira 
adopta  como  forma  de  governo, 
sob  o  regimen  representative,  a 
Republica  Federativa,  proclamada 
a  quinze  de  Novembro  de  mil 
oitocentos  oitenta  e  nove,  e  con- 
stitue-se,  por  uniao  perpetua  e  in- 
dissoluvel  das  suas  antigas  pro- 
vincias,  em  Estados  Unidos  do 
Brazil. 

Art.  2.  Cada  uma  das  antigas 
provincias  formard  um  Estado,  e  o 
antigo  municipio  neutro  consti- 
tuira  o  Districto  Federal,  continu- 
ando  a  ser  a  capital  da  Uniao  em- 
quanto  nao  se  der  execucao  ao  dis- 
posto  no  artigo  seguinte. 

Art.  3.  Fica  pertencente  a 
Uniao,  no  planalto  central  da  Re- 
publica, uma  zona  de  quatorze  mil 
quatrocentos  kilometros  quadra- 
dos,  que  sera  opportunamente  de- 
marcada  para  nella  estabelecer-se 
a  futura  Capital  Federal. 

134 


We,  the  representatives  of  the 
Brazilian  people,  assembled  in 
constitutional  convention  for  the 
purpose  of  organizing  a  free  and 
democratic  government,  do  hereby 
establish,  decree,  and  promulgate 
the  following  Constitution  for  the 
Republic  of  the  United  States  of 
Brazil. 

TITLE   I. 

THE  FEDERAL  ORGANIZATION. 
PRELIMINARY   PROVISIONS. 

Article  1.  The  Brazilian  Na- 
tion adopts  for  its  government  the 
Federal  republican  representative 
form,  as  proclaimed  on  the  fifteenth 
of  November,  eighteen  hundred 
and  eighty-nine,  and  constitutes 
itself,  by  the  perpetual  and  indis- 
soluble union  of  its  former  Prov- 
inces, into  the  United  States  of 
Brazil. 

Art.  2.  Each  of  the  former 
Provinces  shall  constitute  a  State, 
and  the  former  neutral  municipal 
district  shall  form  the  Federal 
District,  continuing  to  be  the  cap- 
ital of  the  Union  until  the  provi- 
sions of  the  following  article  shall 
be  put  into  effect. 

Art.  3.  A  zone  fourteen  thou- 
sand four  hundred  kilometers 
square,  situated  in  the  central  pla- 
teau of  the  Republic,  which  shall 
be  hereafter  marked  off,  shall  be 
set  apart,  as  property  of  the  Union, 
and  on  this  site  the  future  Federal 
capital  shall  be  established. 


CONSTITUTION. 


135 


Paragrapho  unico.  Effectuada  a 
mudanca  da  capital,  o  actual  Dis- 
tricto  Federal  passara  a  constituir 
um  Estado. 

Art.  4.  Os  Estados  podem  en- 
corporar-se  entre  si,  subdividir-se 
ou  desmembrar-se  para  se  annexar 
a  outros  ou  formar  novos  Estados, 
mediante  acquiescencia  das  respec- 
tivas  Asseinbleas  Legislativas,  em 
duas  sessSes  annuaes  successivas, 
e  appro  vacao  do  Congresso  Na- 
cional. 

Art.  5.  Incumbe  a  cada  Estado 
prover,  a  expensas  proprias,  as 
necessidades  de  seu  governo  e 
administracao:  a  Uniao,  porem, 
prestara  soccorros  ao  Estado  que, 
em  caso  de  calamidade  publica,  os 
solicitar. 

Art.  6.  O  Governo  Federal 
nao  podera  intervir  em  negocios 
peculiares  aos  Estados,  salvo: 

1°.  Para  repellir  invasao  estran- 
geira,  ou  de  um  Estado  em  outro; 

2°.  Para  manter  a  forma  de  go- 
verno republicanafederativa; 

3°.  Para  restabelecer  a  ordem  e 
a  tranquillidade  nos  Estados,  a 
requisicao  dos  respectivos  gover- 
nos; 

4°.  Para  assegurar  a  execucao 
das  leis  e  sentencas  federaes. 

Art.  7.  E  da  competencia  ex- 
clusiva  da  Uniao  decretar: 

1°.  Impostos  sobre  a  importa- 
yao  de  procedencia  estrangeira; 

2°.  Direitos  de  entrada,  sahida 
e  estada  de  navios,  sendo  livre  o 
commercio  de  cabotagem  as  mer- 
cadorias  nacionaes,  bem  como  as 
estrangeiras  que  ja  tenham  pago 
imposto  de  importacao; 

3°.  Taxas  de  sello,  salvo  a  res- 
triccao  do  artigo  9,  paragrapho 
1,  No.  1. 

4°.  Taxas  dos  correios  e  tele- 
graphos  federaes. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Tambem  com- 
pete privativamente  a  Uniao. 

1°.  A  instituiyao  de  bancos  emis- 
sores. 


Sole  paragraph.  When  the  capi- 
tal has  been  moved  there,  the  pres- 
ent Federal  District  shall  consti- 
tute a  State. 

Art.  4.  The  States  shall  have  the 
power  to  annex  themselves  to 
each  other;  subdivide  or  dismem- 
ber themselves  to  join  with  others 
or  form  new  States,  provided  that 
this  is  done  with  the  consent  of  the 
respective  local  legislatures  given 
in  two  successive  annual  sessions, 
and  the  approval  of  the  National 
Congress. 

Art.  5.  Each  State  shall,  at  its 
own  expense,  provide  for  the  needs 
of  its  own  government  and  admin- 
istration ;  the  Union,  however,shall 
lend  aid  to  a  State  in  case  of  public 
calamity  if  it  asks  for  assistance. 

Art.  6.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment shall  not  interfere  in  matters 
pertaining  peculiarly  to  the  States, 
save: 

1.  To  repel  foreign  invasion,  or 
the  invasion  of  one  State  by 
another. 

2.  To  maintain  the  federal  re- 
publican form  of  government. 

3.  To  reestablish  order  and 
tranquillity  in  the  States,  at  the 
request  of  their  respective  govern- 
ments. 

4.  To  secure  the  execution  of 
the  Federal  laws  and  judgments. 

Art.  7.  It  is  the  exclusive  pre- 
rogative of  the  Union  to  decree: 

1.  Duties  on  imports  from  for- 
eign countries. 

2.  Duties  of  entry,  departure 
and  stay  of  vessels ;  but  the  coasti  n  g 
trade  for  national  articles  shall  be 
free  of  duties,  as  is  also  free  for- 
eign merchandise  which  has  al- 
ready paid  an  import  duty. 

3.  Stamp  duties,  save  the  re- 
striction mentioned  in  article  9, 
paragraph  1,  No.  1. 

4.  Federal  postal  and  telegraph 
taxes. 

Paragraph  1.  The   Union  shall 
also  have  exclusive  power: 
1.  To  establish  banks  of  issue. 


136 


THE   UNITED   STATES   OF   BRAZIL. 


2°.  A  creacao  e  manutencao  de 
alfandegas. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Os  impostos  de- 
cretados  pela  Uniao  devem  ser 
uniformes  para  todos  os  Estados. 

Paragrapho  3°.  AsleisdaUniao, 
os  actos  e  as  sentencas  de  suas  auc- 
toridades  serao  executados  em  todo 
o  paiz  por  f unccionarios  f ederaes, 
podendo,  todavia,  a  execucao  das 
primeiras  ser  confiada  aos  governos 
dos  Estados,  mediante  annuencia 
destes. 

Art.  8.  E  vedado  ao  Governo 
Federal  crear,  de  qualquer  niodo, 
distincc5es  e  pref  erencias  em  favor 
dos  portos  de  uns  contra  os  de 
outros  Estados. 

Art.  9.  £  da  competencia  ex- 
clusiva  dos  Estados  decretar  im- 
postos. 

1°.  Sobre  a  exportacao  de  mer- 
cadorias  de  sua  propria  produccao. 

2°.  Sobre  immoveis  ruraes  e 
urbanos. 

3°.  Sobre  transmissao  de  pro- 
priedade. 

4°.  Sobre  industrias  e  profissSes. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Tambem  com- 
pete exclusivamente  aos  Estados 
decretar: 

1°.  Taxas  de  sello  quanto  aos 
actos  emanados  de  seus  respectivos 
governos  e  negocios  de  sua  econo- 
mia. 

2°.  Contributes  concernentes 
aos  seus  telegraphos  e  correios. 

Paragrapho  2°.  E  isenta  de  im- 
postos, no  Estado  por  onde  se  ex- 
portar,  a  produccao  dos  outros 
Estados. 

Paragrapho  3°.  So  e  licito  a  um 
Estado  tributar  a  importacao  de 
mercadorias  estrangeiras  quando 
destinadas  ao  consumo  no  seu  ter- 
ritorio,  revertendo,  porem,  o  pro- 
ducto  do  imposto  para  o  Thesouro 
Federal. 

Paragrapho  4°.  Fica  salvo  aos 
Estados  o  direito  de  estabelecerem 
linhas  telegraphicas  entre  os  di- 


2.  To  create  and  maintain 
custom-houses. 

Paragraph  2.  Taxes  levied  by 
the  Union  shall  be  uniform  for  all 
the  States. 

Paragraph  3.  The  laws  of  the 
Union  and  the  acts  and  decrees  of 
its  authorities  shall  be  enforced 
throughout  the  whole  countiy,  by 
Federal  officials;  but  the  execution 
of  the  Federal  laws  may  be  en- 
trusted to  the  governments  of  the 
States,  if  the}7  consent  thereto. 

Art.  8.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment is  forbidden  to  make  dis- 
tinctions and  preferences  in  favor 
of  the  ports  of  some  of  the  States 
against  those  of  others. 

Art.  9.  The  States  alone  are 
competent  to  decree  taxes: 

1.  On  the  exportation  of  mer- 
chandise produced  in  their  own 
States. 

2.  On  country  and  city  real  es- 
tate. 

3.  On  the  conveyance  of  prop- 
erty. 

4.  On  industries  and  profes- 
sions. 

Paragraph  1.  The  States  shall 
also  have  trie  exclusive  right  to  de- 
cree: 

1.  Stamp  taxes  affecting  acts 
emanating  from  their  respective 
governments  and  their  internal 
affairs. 

2.  Contributions  relating  to  their 
postal  and  telegraphic  service. 

Paragraph  2.  The  products  of 
one  State  are  exempted  from  im- 
posts in  any  other  State  from 
which  they  may  be  exported. 

Paragraph  3.  It  is  lawful  for  a 
State  to  levy  duties  on  imports  of 
foreign  goods  only  when  intended 
for  consumption  in  its  own  terri- 
tory; and  it  shall,  in  such  case, 
turn  over  to  the  Federal  treasury 
the  amount  of  duties  collected. 

Paragraph  4.  The  States  have 
the  right  to  establish  telegraphic 
lines  between  different  points  of 


CONSTITUTION. 


137 


versos  pontos  de  seus  territories, 
e  entre  estes  e  os  de  outros  Esta- 
dos  que  se  nao  acharem  servidos 
por  linhas  federaes,  podendo  a 
Uniao  desaproprial-as,  quando  for 
de  interesse  geral. 


Art.  10.  fi  prohibido  aos  Esta- 
dos  tributar  bens  e  rendas  fede- 
raes ou  servicos  a  cargo  da  Uniao, 
e  reciprocamente. 

Art.  11.  E.vedado  aos  Estados, 
como  a  Uniao: 

1°.  Crear  impostos  de  transito 
pelo  territorio  de  um  Estado,  ou 
na  passagem  de  um  para  outro, 
sobre  productos  de  outros  Estados 
da  Republica  ou  estrangeiros,  e 
bem  assim  sobre  os  vehiculos,  de 
terra  e  agua,  que  os  transportarem. 

2°.  Estabelecer,  subvencionar  ou 
embaracar  o  exercicio  de  cultos 
religiosos. 

3°.  Prescrever  leis  retroactivas. 

Art.  12.  Alem  das  f ontes  de  re- 
ceita  diseriminadas  nos  artigos  7 
e  9°,  e  licito  a  Uniao,  como  aos 
Estados,  cumulativamente  ou  nao, 
crear  outras  quaesquer,  nao  con- 
travindo  o  disposto  nos  artigos  7, 
9  e  11,  No.  1. 


Art.  13.  O  direito  da  Uniao  e 
dos  Estados  de  legislarem  sobre 
viacao  ferrea  e  navegayao  interior 
sera  regulado  por  lei  federal. 

Paragrapho  unico.  A  navegacao 
de  cabotagem  sera  feita  por  navios 
nacionaes. 

Art.  14.  As  forcas  de  terra  e 
mar  sao  instituicoes  nacionaes  per- 
manentes,  destinadas  a  defesa  da 
patria  no  exterior  e  a  manutencao 
das  leis  no  interior. 

A  f orca  armada  e  essencialmente 
obediente,  dentro  dos  limites  da 
lei,  aos  seus  superiores  hierarchi- 
cos,  obligada  a  sustentar  as  insti- 
tuicoes constitucionaes. 


their  own  territories,  and  between 
these  points  and  those  of  other 
States  which  are  not  provided  with 
a  Federal  telegraphic  service,  it 
being  understood,  however,  that 
the  Lnion  may  acquire  the  owner- 
ship thereof  when  so  required  by 
the  general  interest. 

Art.  10.  It  is  prohibited  to  the 
States  to  levy  taxes  on  Federal 
property  or  revenue,  or  on  serv- 
ices in  charge  of  the  Union,  and 
vice  versa. 

Art.  11.  It  is  forbidden  to  the 
States,  as  well  as  to  the  Union: 

1 .  To  impose  duties  on  the  prod- 
ucts of  a  State,  or  of  a  foreign 
country,  when  in  transit  through 
the  territory  of  another  State,  or 
going  from  one  State  to  another, 
or  on  the  vehicles,  whether  by  land 
or  water,  by  which  they  are  trans- 
ported. 

2.  To  establish,  subsidize  or 
embarrass  the  exercise  of  relig- 
ious worship. 

3.  To  enact  ex  post  facto  laws. 
Art.  12.  In    addition    to    the 

sources  of  revenue  set  forth  in  arti- 
cles 7  and  9,  it  shall  be  lawful  for 
the  Union,  as  well  as  for  the  States, 
cumulatively  or  otherwise,  to  cre- 
ate any  others  whatsoever,  pro- 
vided that  they  are  not  in  contra- 
vention of  the  terms  of  articles  7, 
9,  and  11,  No.  1. 

Art.  13.  The  right  of  the  Union 
and  of  the  States  to  legislate  in 
regard  to  railways  and  navigation 
of  internal  waters  shall  be  regu- 
lated by  Federal  law. 

Sole  paragraph.  Coastwise  nav- 
igation shall  be  carried  on  by  na- 
tional vessels. 

Art.  14.  The  land  and  naval 
forces  are  permanent  national  in- 
stitutions, intended  for  the  defense 
of  the  country  from  foreign  attack 
and  the  maintenance  of  the  laws 
of  the  land.  Within  the  limits  of 
the  law,  the  armed  forces  are  from 
their  nature  bound  to  obey  their 
hierarchical  superiors,  and  to  sup- 
port the  constitutional  institu- 
tions. 


138 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


Art.  15.  Sao  orgaos  da  sobera- 
nia  nacional  o  Poder  Legislativo, 
o  Executivo  e  o  Judiciario,  harmo- 
nicos  e  independentes  entre  si. 


SECCAO   I. 

Do  Poder  Legidativo. 

Capitulo  I. 

Disposieoes  geraes. 

Art.  16.  O  poder  legislativo  e" 
exereido  pelo  Congresso  Nacional, 
com  a  sanccao  do  Presidente  da 
Republica. 

Paragrapho  1°.  O  Congresso 
Nacional  eomp5e-se  de  dois  ramos: 
a  Camara  dos  Deputados  e  o 
Senado. 

Paragrapho  2°.  A  eleicao  para 
Senadores  e  Deputados  far-se-ha 
simultaneamente  em  todo  o  paiz. 

Paragrapho  3°.  Ninguem  pode 
ser,  ao  mesmo  tempo,  Deputado  e 
Senador. 

Art.  17.  O  Congresso  reunir- 
se-ha,  na  Capital  Federal,  inde- 
pendentemente  de  convocacao,  a 
tres  de  Maio  de  cada  anno,  si  a  lei 
nao  designar  outro  dia,  e  func- 
cionara  quatro  mezes  da  data  da 
abertura,  podendo  ser  prorogado, 
adiado  ou  convocado  extraordina- 
riamente. 

Paragrapho  1°.  So  ao  Congresso 
compete  deliberar  sobre  a  proroga- 
cao  e  adiamento  de  suas  sessSes. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Cadalegislatura 
durara  tres  annos. 

Paragrapho  3°.  O  Governo  do 
Estado  em  cuja  representacao  se 
der  vaga,  por  qualquer  causa,  in- 
clusive renuncia,  mandara  imme- 
diatamente  proceder  a  nova  eleicao. 

Art.  18.  A  Camara  dos  Depu- 
tados e  o  Senado  trabalharao  se- 
paradamente  e,  quando  nao  se 
resolver  o  contrario  por  maioria 
de  votos,  em  sess5es  publicas.     As 


Art.  15.  The  legislative,  execu- 
tive and  judicial  powers  are  or- 
gans of  the  national  sovereignty, 
harmonious  with  each  other,  and 
independent  among  themselves. 

SECTION    I. 

The  leg /'dative  pmver. 

Chapter  I. 

General  provisions. 

Art.  16.  The  legislative  power 
is  vested  in  the  National  Congress, 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Pres- 
ident of  the  Republic. 

Paragraph  1.  The  National  Con- 
gress is  composed  of  two  branches, 
the  Chamber  of  Deputies  and  the 
Senate. 

Paragraph  2.  The  election  for 
senators  and  for  deputies  shall  be 
held  simultaneously  throughout 
the  country. 

Paragraph  3.  No  person  shall  be 
senator  and  deputy  at  the  same 
time. 

Art.  17.  The  Congress  shall  as- 
semble in  the  Federal  capital  on 
the  third  day  of  Ma}7  of  each  year 
without  being  convoked,  unless 
another  day  is  designated 'by  law, 
and  shall  continue  in  session  four 
months  from  the  date  of  the  open- 
ing, and  may  be  prorogued,  ad- 
journed, or  convoked  in  extraor- 
dinary session. 

Paragraph  1.  The  Congress  alone 
shall  have  the  right  to  prorogue  and 
adjourn  its  sessions. 

Paragraph  2.  Each  Congress 
shall  last  three  years. 

Paragraph  3.  When  a  vacancy 
occurs  in  the  Congress  on  account 
of  resignation  or  for  any  other 
reason,  the  respective  State  shall 
order  immediately  the  election  of 
a  new  member. 

Art.  18.  The  Chamber  of  Depu- 
ties and  the  Senate  shall  meet 
separately  and,  unless  otherwise 
determined  by  a  majority  vote, 
their  sessions  shall  be  public.     A 


CONSTITUTION. 


139 


deliberayoes  serao  tomadas  por 
maioria  de  votos,  achando-se  pre- 
sente  em  cada  uraa  das  Camaras  a 
maioria  absoluta  aos  seus  mem- 
bros. 

Paragrapho  unico.  A  cada  uma 
das  Camaras  compete: 

Verificar  e  reconhecer  os  poderes 
de  seus  membros. 

Eleger  a  sua  mesa. 

Organizar  o  seu  regimento  in- 
terno. 

Regular  o  servico  de  sua  policia 
interna. 

Nomear  os  empregados  de  sua 
secretaria. 

Art.  19.  Os  Deputados  e  Sena- 
dores  sao  inviolaveis  por  suas 
opinioes,  palavras  e  votos  no  exer- 
cicio  do  mandate 

Art.  20.  Os  Deputados  e  Sena- 
dores,  desde  que  tiverem  recebido 
diploma  ate  a  nova  eleicao,  nao 
poderao  ser  presos,  nem  processa- 
dos  criminalmente,  sem  previa 
licenca  de  sua  Camara,  salvo  caso 
de  flagrancia  em  crime  inafiancavel. 
Nesto  caso,  levado  o  processo  ate 
pronuncia  exclusive,  a  auctoridade 
processante  remettera  os  autos  a 
Camara  respectiva,  para  resolver 
sobre  a  procedencia  da  accusacao, 
si  o  accusado  nao  optar  pelo  jul- 
gamento  immediato. 


Art.  21.  Os  membros  das  duas 
Camaras,  ao  tomar  assento,  con- 
trahirao  compromisso  formal,  em 
sessao  publica,  de  bem  cumprir  os 
seus  deveres. 

Art.  22.  Durante  as  sessoes 
vencerao  os  Senadores  e  os  Depu- 
tados um  subsidio  pecuniario  igual, 
e  ajuda  de  custo,  que  serao  fixados 

{>elo  Congresso   no  fim   de  cada 
egislatura,  para  a  seguinte. 

Art.  23.  Nenhum  membro  do 
Congresso,  desde  que  tenha  sido 
eleito,  podent  celebrar  contractos 
com  o  Poder  Executivo,  nem  delle 


majority  of  votes  shall  be  required 
to  pass  any  measure  in  each  cham- 
ber, provided  there  is  a  quorum 
consisting  of  an  absolute  majority 
of  its  members. 

Sole  paragraph.  Each  chamber 
shall  have  power: 

To  verify  and  accept  the  powers 
of  its  members. 

To  choose  its  officers. 

To  make  the  rules  of  its  pro- 
ceedings. 

To  provide  for  its  own  police 
service. 

To  appoint  its  clerks. 

Art.  19.  The  deputies  and  sen- 
ators can  not  be  held  to  account 
for  their  opinions,  expressions 
or  votes  in  the  discharge  of  their 
mandate. 

Art.  20.  Deputies  and  Sena- 
tors, shall  not  be,  from  the  time 
they  have  received  their  cre- 
dentials until  the  new  election, 
arrested  or  prosecuted  criminally, 
without  previous  permission  of 
the  respective  chamber,  save  in 
the  case  of  unbailable  in  flagrante 
delicto.  In  this  latter  case,  the 
court  shall  collect  all  the  evidence 
in  the  case  and  submit  it,  together 
with  the  record  of  its  proceedings, 
to  the  respective  chamber,  which, 
upon  proper  consideration  shall 
decide  whether  or  not  an  indict- 
ment is  to  be  made,  unless  the 
accused  shall  choose  to  be  tried 
immediately. 

Art.  21.  The  members  of  the 
two  chambers,  on  taking  their 
seats,  shall  take  a  formal  oath,  in 
public  session,  to  perform  their 
duties  faithfully. 

Art.  22.  During  the  sessions 
the  senators  and  deputies  shall  be 
entitled  to  a  salary  and  emolu- 
ments to  be  fixed  by  the  Congress 
at  the  close  of  each  legislature, 
for  the  succeeding  one. 

Art.  23.  No  member  of  Con- 
gress shall,  from  the  da}^  of  his  elec- 
tion, enter  into  contracts  with  the 
Executive  power,  or  receive  from 


140 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BKAZIL. 


receber  commissoes  ou  empregos 
remunerados. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Exceptuam-se 
desta  prohibicao: 

1°.  As  missOes  diplomaticas; 

2°.  As  commissSes  ou  comman- 
dos militares; 

3°.  Os  cargos  de  accesso  e  as 
promocSes  legaes. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Nenhum  Depu- 
tado  ou  Senador,  porem,  podera 
acceitar  nomeacao  para  missOes, 
commissSes,  ou  commandos,  de  que 
tratam  os  Nos.  1  e  2  do  paragrapho 
antecedente,  sem  licenya  da  respec- 
tiva  Camara,  quando  da  acceitacao 
resultar  privacao  do  exercicio  das 
funccSes  legislativas,  salvo  nos 
casos  de  guerra  ou  naquelles  em 
que  a  honra  e  a  integridade  da 
Uniao  se  acharem  empenhadas. 

Art.  24.  O  Deputado  ou  Sena- 
dor  nao  pode  tambem  ser  presi- 
dente  ou  fazer  parte  de  directorial 
de    bancos,    companhias    ou   em- 

gresas  que  gozem  dos  favores  do 
roverno  Federal,  definidos  em  lei. 

Paragrapho  unico.  A  inobser- 
vancia  dos  preceitos  contidos  neste 
artigo  e  no  antecedente  importa 
perda  do  mandato. 

Art.  25.  O  mandato  legislativo 
e"  incompativel  com  o  exercicio  de 
qualquer  outra  f  unccao  durante  as 
sessSes. 

Art.  26.  Sao  condicOes  de  ele- 
gibilidade  para  o  Congresso  Na- 
cional: 

1°.  Estar  na  posse  dos  direitos 
de  cidadao  brasileiro  e  ser  alistavel 
como  eleitor; 

2°.  Para  a  Camara,  ter  mais  de 
quatro  annos  de  cidadao  brasileiro, 
e  para  o  Senado,  mais  de  seis. 


Esta  disposicao  nao  compre- 
hende  os  cidadaos  a  que  refere-se  o 
No.  4  do  artigo  69. 

Art.  27.  O  Congresso  declarant, 
em  lei  especial,  os  casos  de  incom- 
patibilidade  eleitoral. 


the  same   any   salaried   office  or 
commission. 

Paragraph  1.  From  this  prohi- 
bition are  excepted: 

1.  Diplomatic  missions. 

2.  Positions  in  the  military 
service. 

3.  Legal  promotions. 

Paragraph  2.  No  deputy  or  sen- 
ator shall,  however,  accept  mis- 
sions, or  positions  in  the  military 
service,  as  provided  for  in  Nos.  1 
and  2  of  the  preceding  paragraph, 
without  first  obtaining  the  permis- 
sion of  the  respective  chamber, 
when  the  acceptance  precludes  the 
member  from  exercising  his  legis- 
lative functions,  except  in  cases  of 
war  or  in  those  in  which  the  honor 
and  integrity  of  the  Union  are 
involved. 

Art.  24.  No  deputy  or  senator 
shall  be  president  or  director  of  a 
bank,  company,  or  enterprise 
which  enjoys  favors  from  the  Fed- 
eral Government  defined  by^  law. 

Sole  paragraph.  Failure  to  ob- 
serve the  provisions  contained  in 
this  and  the  preceding  article  sig- 
nifies the  loss  of  the  mandate. 

Art.  25.  The  office  of  senator  or 
deputy  is  incompatible  with  all 
other  functions  whatsoever  during 
the  sessions. 

Art.  26.  The  following  are  the 
conditions  of  eligibility  to  the 
National  Congress: 

1.  To  enjoy  the  rights  of  a  Bra- 
zilian citizen  and  be  entitled  to  be 
registered  as  an  elector. 

2.  Candidates  to  membership  of 
the  chamber  are  required  to  have 
been  Brazilian  citizens  for  more 
than  four  years.  Those  wishing 
to  be  Senators  need  more  than  six 
years. 

This  provision  does  not  include 
the  citizens  mentioned  in  No.  4  of 
article  69. 

Art.  27.  The  Congress  shall  de- 
fine, by  a  special  law,  the  cases  of 
ineligibility  to  Congress. 


CONSTITUTION. 


141 


Capitulo  II. 
Da  Camara  dos  Deputados. 

Art.  28.  A  Camara  dos  Depu- 
tados compoe-se  de  representantes 
do  povo,  eleitos  pelos  Estados  e 
pelo  Districto  Federal,  medianteo 
suffragio  directo,  garantida  a  re- 
presentacao  da  minoria. 

Paragrapho  1°.  O  numero  dos 
Deputados  sera  tixado  por  lei  em 
proporcao  que  nao  excedera  de  um 
por  setenta  mil  habitantes,  nao 
devendo  esse  numero  ser  inferior 
a  quatro  por  Estado. 

Faragrapho  2°.  Para  este  fim 
mandara  o  Governo  Federal  pro- 
ceder,  desde  ja,  ao  recenseamento 
da  populapao  da  Republica,  o  qual 
sera  revisto  decennalmente. 

Art.  29.  Compete  a  Camara  a 
iniciativa  do  adiamento  da  sessao 
legislativa  e  de  todas  as  leis  de 
impostos,  das  leis  de  fixacao  das 
f  orpas  de  terra  e  mar,  da  discussao 
dos  projectos  offerecidos  pelo 
Poder  Executivo  e  a  declaracao 
da  procedencia  ou  improcedencia 
da  accusacao  contra  o  Presidente 
da  Republica,  nos  termos  do  ar- 
tigo  53,  e  contra  os  ministros  de 
Estado,  nos  crimes  connexos  com 
os  do  Presidente  da  Repbulica. 


Capitulo  III. 
Do  Senado. 

Art.  30.  O  Senado  comp5e-se 
de  cidadaos  elegiveis  nos  termos 
do  artigo  26  e  maiores  de  trinta  e 
cinco  annos,  em  numero  de  tres 
Senadores  por  Estado  e  tres  pelo 
Districto  Federal,  eleitos  pelo 
mesmo  modo  por  que  o  forem  os 
deputados. 

Art.  31.  O  mandato  do  Senador 
durara  nove  annos,  renovando-se  o 
Senado  pelo  terco  triennalmente. 

Paragrapho  unico.  O  Senador 
eleito  em  substituicao  de  outro  ex- 


Chapter  II. 
The  Chamber  of  Deputies. 

Art.  28.  The  Chamber  of  Depu- 
ties is  composed  of  representatives 
of  the  people  elected  by  the  States 
and  the  Federal  District,  by  direct 
suffrage,  provided  the  representa- 
tion of  the  minority  be  guaranteed. 

Paragraph  1.  The  number  of 
deputies  shall  be  fixed  by  law  and 
shall  not  exceed  one  for  every 
seventy  thousand,  but  each  State 
shall  have  at  least  four  deputies. 

Paragraph  2.  For  this  purpose 
the  Federal  Government  shall  or- 
der a  census  of  the  population  of  the 
Republic  to  be  taken  at  once,  which 
shall  be  renewed  every  ten  years. 

Art.  29.  To  the  chamber  be- 
longs the  initiative  for  the  adjourn- 
ment of  the  legislative  session  and 
of  all  laws  touching  the  levying  of 
taxes,  the  raising  and  fixing  the 
number  of  the  land  and  naval 
forces,  the  discussion  of  recom- 
mendations made  by  the  Executive 
Power,  and  the  decision  of  the 
question  whether  the  President  of 
the  Republic  should  or  should  not 
be  impeached,  under  the  provisions 
of  article  53,  and  whether  the  cab- 
ient  ministers  should  or  should  not 
also  be  impeached  for  crimes  com- 
mitted by  them  jointly  with  the 
President  of  the  Republic. 

Chapter  III. 
The  Senate. 

Art.  30.  The  Senate  is  com- 
posed of  citizens  eligible  under 
the  terms  of  article  26,  who  are 
over  thirty-five  years  old.  There 
shall  be  three  senators  for  each 
State  and  three  for  the  Federal 
District,  all  of  them  elected  in  the 
same  way  as  the  deputies. 

Art.  31.  The  term  of  service 
of  the  senators  shall  be  nine  years, 
one-third  of  the  Senate  being  re- 
newed every  three  years. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  term  of  a 
senator  elected  in  place  of  another 


142 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


ercerii  o  mandato  pelo  tempo  que 
restava  ao  substituido. 

Art.  32.  O  Vice-Presidente  da 
Republica,  sera  Presidente  do  Se- 
nado, onde  so  tera  voto  de  quali- 
dade,  e  sera  substituido,  nas  ausen- 
cias  e  iinpedimentos,  pelo  Vice- 
Presidente  da  mesma  Caniara. 

Art.  33.  Compete  privativa- 
mente  ao  Senado  julgar  o  Presi- 
dente da  Republica  e  os  demais 
funccionarios  federaes  designados 
pela  Constituicao,  nos  termos  e 
pela  forma  que  ella  prescreve. 

Paragrapho  1°.  O  Senado,  quan- 
do  deliberar  como  tribunal  de 
justica,  sera  presidido  pelo  Presi- 
dente do  Supremo  Tribunal  Fed- 
eral. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Nao  proferira 
sentenca  condemnatoria  senao  por 
dous  tercos  dos  membros  presentes. 

Paragrapho  3°.  Nao  podera  im- 
por  outras  penas  mais  que  a  perda 
do  cargo  e  a  incapacidade  de 
exercer  qualquer  outro,  sem 
prejuizo  da  accao  da  justica 
ordinaria  contra  o  condemnado. 

Capitulo  IV. 

Das  attribui0es  do  Congresso. 

Art.  34.  Compete  pri vat iva- 
mente  ao  Congresso  Nacional : 

1?  Orcar  a  receita,  fixar  a  des- 
peza  federal  annualmente  e  tomar 
as  contas  da  receita  e  despeza  de 
cada  exercicio  financeiro; 

2°  Auctorizar  o  Poder  Execu- 
tivo  a  contrahir  emprestimos  e  a 
fazer  outras  operacdes  de  credito; 

3°  Legislar  sobre  a  divida  pu- 
blica  e  estabelecer  os  meios  para  o 
seu  pagamento; 

4?  Regular  a  arrecadaeao  e  a 
distribuicao  das  rendas  federaes; 

5°  Regular  o  commercio  inter- 
nacional,  bem  como  o  dos  Estados 


shall  continue  during  the  remain- 
der of  the  term  of  the  senator 
replaced. 

Art.  32.  The  vice-president  of 
the  Republic  shall  be  the  president 
of  the  Senate,  where  he  .shall  vote 
only  in  case  of  tie,  and  shall  be 
replaced,  in  case  of  absence  or  im- 
pediment, by  the  vice-president  of 
that  chamber. 

Art.  33.  The  Senate  alone  has 
the  power  to  try  and  pass  sen- 
tence on  the  President  or  the  Re- 
public and  the  other  Federal  offi- 
cers designated  by  the  Constitu- 
tion, under  the  conditions  and  in 
the  manner  which  it  prescribes. 

Paragraph  1.  The  Senate,  when 
sitting  as  a  tribunal  of  justice,  shall 
be  presided  over  by  the  president 
of  the  Federal  Supreme  Court. 

Paragraph  2.  It  shall  not  pass 
sentence  of  condemnation  unless 
bjr  two- thirds  of  the  members 
present. 

Paragraph  3.  It  shall  not  impose 
other  penalties  than  the  loss  of 
office  and  disqualification  to  hold 
any  other,  without  prejudice  to  the 
action  of  ordinary  justice  against 
the  condemned. 

Chapter  IV. 

Poivers  of  the  Conqress. 

Art.  34.  The  National  Congress 
shall  have  exclusive  power: 

1.  To  estimate  the  revenue  and 
fix  the  expenditures  of  the  Federal 
Government  annually  and  take  ac- 
counts of  the  receipts  and  expend- 
itures of  each  financial  year. 

2.  To  authorize  the  Executive 
Power  to  contract  loans  and  trans- 
act other  operations  of  credit. 

3.  To  legislate  in  regard  to  the 
public  debt  and  provide  for  its 
payment. 

4.  To  control  the  collection  and 
distribution  of  the  Federal  reve- 
nue. 

5.  To  regulate  international 
commerce  as  well  as  that  of  the 


CONSTITUTION. 


143 


entre  si  e  com  o  do  Districto  Fede- 
ral, alfandegar  portos,  crear  ou 
supprimir  entrepostos; 

6°.  Legislar  sobre  a  navegacao 
dos  rios  que  banhem  mais  de  urn 
Estado,  ou  se  estendam  a  territo- 
ries estrangeiros; 

7°.  Determinar  o  peso,  o  valor, 
a  inscripcao,  o  typo  e  a  denorni- 
nacao  das  moedas; 

8°.  Crear  bancos  de  emissao, 
legislar  sobre  ella  e  tributal-a; 

9°.  Fixar  o  padrao  dos  pesos  e 
medidas; 

10°.  Resolver  definitivamente 
sobre  os  limites  dos  Estados  entre 
si,  os  do  Districto  Federal  e  os  do 
territorio  nacional  com  as  nacdes 
limitrophes; 

11°.  Auctorizar  o  Governo  a  de- 
clarar  guerra,  si  nao  tiver  logar 
ou  mallograr-se  o  recurso  do  arbi- 
tramento,  e  a  fazer  a  paz; 

12°.  Resolver  definitivamente 
sobre  os  tratados  e  convencoes  com 
as  nacSes  estrangeiras; 

13°.  Mudar  a  capital  da  Uniao; 

14°.  Conceder  subsidios  aos  Es- 
tados na  hypo  these  do  artigo  5°; 

15°.  Legislar  sobre  o  servico  dos 
correios  e  telegraphos  federaes; 

16°.  Adoptar  o  regimen  conve- 
nient^ a  seguranca  das  fronteiras; 

17°.  Fixar  annualmente  as  for- 
cas  de  terra  e  mar; 

18°.  Legislar  sobre  a  organi- 
sacao  do  exercito  e  da  armada; 

19°.  Conceder  ou  negar  passa- 
gem  af  orcas  estrangeiras  pelo  terri- 
torio do  paiz,  para  operacoes  mili- 
tares; 

20°.  Mobilisar  e  utilisar  a 
guarda  nacional  ou  milicia  civica, 
nos  casos  previstos  pela  Consti- 
tuicao; 

21°.  Declarar  em  estado  de  sitio 
um  ou  mais  pontos  do  territorio 


States  with  each  other  and  with  the 
Federal  district,  establish  custom- 
houses, create  or  abolish  ware- 
houses of  deposit. 

6.  To  legislate  in  regard  to  navi- 
gation of  rivers  running  through 
more  than  one  State  or  through 
foreign  territory. 

7.  To  determine  the  weight, 
value,  inscription,  type,  and  de- 
nomination of  the  coins. 

8.  To  create  banks  of  issue, 
legislate  in  regard  to  this  issue, 
and  levy  taxes  on  it. 

9.  To  fix  the  standard  of  weights 
and  measures. 

10.  To  determine  definitely  the 
boundaries  of  the  States,  the  Fed- 
eral District,  and  the  national  ter- 
ritory. 

11.  To  authorize  the  Govern- 
ment to  declare  war,  when  arbitra- 
tion has  failed  or  can  not  take  place, 
and  to  make  peace. 

12.  To  decide  definitely  in  regard 
to  treaties  and  conventions  with 
foreign  nations. 

13.  To  change  the  capital  of  the 
Union. 

14.  To  grant  subsidies  to  the 
States  in  the  case  referred  to  in 
article  5. 

15.  To  legislate  in  regard  to 
the  Federal  postal  and  telegraph 
service. 

16.  To  adopt  the  necessary  meas- 
ures for  the  protection  of  the 
frontiers. 

17.  To  fix  annually  the  number 
of  the  land  and  naval  forces. 

18.  To  regulate  the  organization 
of  the  army  and  navy. 

19.  To  grant  or  refuse  the  pas- 
sage of  foreign  forces  through  the 
territory  of  the  country  when  in- 
tended for  military  operations. 

20.  To  mobilize  and  make  use  of 
the  national  guard  or  militia  in  the 
cases  provided  for  by  the  Consti- 
tution. 

21.  To  declare  a  state  of  siege  at 
one  or  more  points  in  the  national 


144 


THE    UNITED   STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


nacional,  na  emergencia  de  aggres- 
sao  por  for^as  estrangeiras  ou  de 
commotio  interna,  e  approval-  ou 
suspender  o  sitio  que  houver  sido 
declarado  pelo  Poder  Executive, 
ou  seus  agentes  responsaveis?  na 
ausencia  do  Congresso; 

22°.  Regular  as  condicSes  e  o 
processo  da  elei£ao  para  os  cargos 
federaes  em  todo  o  paiz; 

23°.  Legislar  sobre  o  direito 
civil,  commercial  e  criminal  da 
Republica  e  o  processual  da  Jus- 
tica  Federal; 

24°.  Estabelecer  leis  uniformes 
sobre  natural  isayao; 

25°.  Crearesupprimirempregos 
publicos  federaes,  tixar-lhes  as  at- 
tributes e  estipular-lhes  os  ven- 
cimentos; 

26°.  Organisar  a  justica  federal, 
nos  termos  do  artigo  55  e  seguin- 
tes  da  secyao  III; 

27°.  Conceder  amnistia; 

28°.  Commutar  e  perdoar  as  pe- 
nas  impostas,  por  crimes  de  re- 
sponsabilidade,  aos  funccionarios 
federaes; 

29°.  Legislar  sobre  terras  e  min- 
as  de  propriedade  da  Uniao; 

30°.  Legislar  sobre  a  organisacao 
municipal  do  Districto  Federal, 
bem  como  sobre  a  policia,  o  ensino 
superior  e  os  demais  servicos  que 
na  Capital  forem  reservados  para 
o  Governoda  Uniao; 

31°.  Submetter  a  legislacao  espe- 
cial os  pontos  do  territorio  da  Re- 
publica necessarios  para  a  funda- 
cao  de  arsenaes  ou  outros  estabe- 
lecimentos  e  instituicSes  de  con- 
veniencia  federal; 

32°.  Regular  os  casos  de  extra- 
dicao  entre  os  Estados; 

33°.  Decretar  as  leis  e  resoluySes 
necessarias  ao  exercicio  dos  poderes 
que  pertencem  a  Uniao; 

34°.  Decretar  as  leis  organicas 
para  a  execucao  completa  da  Con- 
stituiyao; 


territory,  in  the  emergency  of  an 
attack  by  foreign  forces  or  inter- 
nal disturbance,  and  to  approve  or 
suspend  the  state  of  siege  declared 
by  the  Executive  Power  or  its  re- 
sponsible agents  when  made  in  the 
absence  of  the  Congress. 

22.  To  establish  the  conditions 
and  methods  of  elections  for  Fed- 
eral offices  throughout  the  country  • 

23.  To  legislate  in  regard  to  the 
civil,  commercial,  and  criminal 
laws  of  the  Republic,  and  of  the 
law  of  Federal  procedure. 

24.  To  establish  uniform  laws 
on  naturalization. 

25.  To  create  and  abolish  Fed- 
eral public  offices,  to  fix  the  duties 
of  the  same,  and  designate  their 
salaries. 

26.  To  organize  the  Federal 
justice,  under  the  terms  of  article 
55  and  following  articles  of  Sec- 
tion 111. 

27.  To  grant  amnesty. 

28.  To  commute  and  pardon 
penalties  imposed  upon  Federal 
officers  in  cases  of  impeachment. 

29.  To  make  laws  regarding 
lands  and  mines  belonging  to  the 
Union. 

30.  To  legislate  in  regard  to  the 
municipal  organization  of  the  Fed- 
eral District,  as  well  as  the  police, 
superior  education,  and  other  serv- 
ices which  in  the  Capital  are  re- 
served to  the  Federal  Govern- 
ment. 

31.  To  submit  to  special  legis- 
lation those  points  of  tne  territory 
of  the  Republic  needed  for  the 
establishment  of  arsenals  or  other 
establishments  or  institutions  for 
Federal  use. 

32.  To  regulate  cases  of  extra- 
dition between  the  States. 

33.  To  enact  such  laws  and  res 
olutions  as  may  be  necessary  for 
the  exercise  of  the  powers  belong- 
ing to  the  Union. 

34.  To  enact  the  organic  laws 
necessary  for  the  execution  in  full 
of  the  Constitution. 


CONSTITUTION. 


145 


35°.  Prorogar  e  adiar  suas  ses- 
sSes. 

Art.  35.  Incumbe,  outrosim,  ao 
Congresso,  mas  nao  privativa- 
mente. 

1°.  Velar  na  guarda  da  Consti- 
tuicao  e  das  leis,  e  providenciar 
sobre  as  necessidades  de  caracter 
Federal. 

2°.  Animar,  no  paiz,  o  desen- 
volvimento  das  lettras,  artes  e 
sciencias,  bem  como  a  immigracao, 
a  agricultura,  a  industria  e  o  com- 
mercio,  sem  privilegios  que  tolham 
a  acyao  dos  governos  locaes. 


3°.  Crear  instituicoes  de  ensino 
superior  e  secundario  nos  Estados. 

4°.  Prover  a.  instruccao  secun- 
daria no  Districto  Federal. 

Capitulo  V. 

Das  leis  e  resolucOes. 

Art.  36.  Salvas  as  excepcoes  do 
artigo  29,  todos  os  projectos  de  lei 
podemterorigem  indistinctamente 
na  Camara  ou  no  Senado,  sob  a 
iniciativa  de  qualquer  dos  seus 
membros. 

Art.  37.  Oprojectodelei,adop- 
tado  numa  das  Camaras,  sera  sub- 
mettido  a  outra;  e  esta,  si  o  appro- 
val', envial-o-ha  ao  Poder  Execu- 
tivo,  que,  acquiescendo,  o  sanc- 
cionara  e  promulgara. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Si,  porem,  o 
Presidente  da  Republica  o  julgar 
inconstitucional,  ou  contrario  aos 
interesses  da  Nacao,  negara  sua 
sanccao  dentro  de  dez  dias  uteis 
daquelle  em  que  recebeu  o  projec- 
to,  devolvendo-o,  nesse  mesmo 
prazo,  a  Camara,  onde  elle  se  hou- 
ver  iniciado,  com  os  motivos  da 
recusa. 

Paragrapho  2°.  O  silencio  do 
Presidente   da   Republica   no  de- 

360  a— vol  1—06 10 


35.  To  prorogue  and  adjourn  its 
sessions. 

Art.  35.  It  belongs  likewise  to 
the  Congress,  but  not  originally 
and  exclusively: 

1.  To  guard  the  Constitution 
and  laws  and  provide  for  needs  of 
a  Federal  character. 

2.  To  encourage  in  the  country 
the  development  of  letters,  arts, 
and  sciences,  as  well  as  of  immi- 
gration, agriculture,  industries, 
and  commerce,  provided  that  the 
privileges  granted  for  this  purpose 
should  not  embarrass  the  action  of 
the  local  governments. 

3.  To  create  high  schools  and 
institutions  of  superior  education 
in  the  States. 

4.  To  provide  for  high  school 
education  in  the  Federal  District. 

Chapter  V. 

Laws  and  resolutions. 

Art.  36.  Save  the  exceptions 
specified  in  article  29,  all  bills  may 
originate,  indifferently,  in  the 
chamber  or  in  the  Senate,  and 
may  be  introduced  by  any  of  their 
members. 

Art.  37.  A  bill,  after  being 
passed  in  one  of  the  chambers, 
shall  be  submitted  to  the  other,  and 
if  the  latter  approves  of  it,  shall 
be  send  to  the  Executive,  which,  if 
approving  it,  shall  sanction  and 
promulgate  it. 

Paragraph  1.  If,  however,  the 
President  of  the  Republic  shall  con- 
sider the  bill  unconstitutional,  or 
contrary  to  the  interests  of  the 
Nation,  he  shall  veto  it  within  ten 
working  days,  counted  from  that 
on  which  he  received  it,  and  shall 
return  it  within  the  same  period 
to  the  chamber  in  which  it  origi- 
nated, with  his  reasons  for  the  veto. 

Paragraph  2.  The  failure  of  the 
President  of  the  Republic  to  ap- 


146 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


cendio   importa   a   Banccfio;  e,  no 
caso  de  ser  esta  negada  cjuando  ja 
estiver  encerrado  o  Congresso,  o 
Presidente    dara    publicidade  as 
suas  razSes. 

Paragraphs  3°.  Devolvido  o  pro- 
jecto  a  Camara  iniciadora,  ahi  se 
sujeitara  a  uma  discussao  e  a  vota- 
cao  nominal,  considerando-se  ap- 
provado,  si  obtiver  dous  tercos 
dos  suffragios  presentes.  Neste 
caso,  o  projecto  sera  remettido  a 
outra  Camara,  que,  si  o  approvar 
pelos  mesmos  tramites  e  pefa  mes- 
ma  maioria,  o  enviara,  como  lei, 
ao  Poder  Executivo  para  a  forma- 
lidade  da  promulgacao. 


Paragrapho  4°.  A  sanccao  e  pro- 
mulgacao effectuam-se  por  estas 
formulas: 

1°.  "  O  Congresso  Nacional  de- 
creta  e  Eu  sancciono  a  seguinte  lei 
(ou  resolucao)." 

2°.  "  O  Congresso  Nacional  de- 
creta  e  Eu  promulgo  a  seguinte 
lei  (ou  resolucao)." 

Art.  38.  Nao  sendo  a  lei  pro- 
mulgada  dentro  de  quarenta  e  oito 
horas  pelo  Presidente  da  Repu- 
blica,  nos  casos  dos  paragraphos  2° 
e  3°  do  artigo  37,  o  Presidente  do 
Senado  ou  o  Vice-Presidente,  si  o 
primeiro  nao  o  fizer  em  igual  prazo, 
a  promulgara,  usando  da  seguinte 
formula:  "Eu,  Presidente  (ou 
Vice-Presidente)  do  Senado,  faco 
saber  aos  que  a  presente  virem  que 
o  Congreso  Nacional  decreta  e  pro- 
mulga  a  seguinte  lei  ou  resolucao." 


Art.  39.  O  projecto  de  uma 
Camara,  emendado  na  outra,  vol- 
vera  a  primeira,  que,  si  acceitar  as 
emendas,  envial-o-ha  modificado 
em  conformidade  dellas,  ao  Poder 
Executivo. 

Paragrapho  1°.  No  caso  contra- 
rio,  volvera  a  Camara  revisora,  e, 
si  as   alteray5es  obtivTerem    dous 


prove  or  disapprove  the  bill  with- 
in ten  working  days  shall  be 
considered  as  an  approval;  in  case 
the  bill  is  vetoed  after  the  Congress 
has  closed,  the  President  shall 
publish  his  reasons  therefor. 

Paragraph  3.  A  bill  not  ap- 
proved shall  be  returned  to  the 
chamber  where  it  originated,  where 
it  shall  be  discussed  and  subjected 
to  a  yea-and-nay  vote,  and  shall  be 
considered  approved  if  it  obtain 
two-thirds  of  the  votes  of  the  mem- 
bers present.  In  this  case,  the  bill 
shall  be  sent  to  the  other  chamber, 
where  it  shall  also  be  discussed, 
and  if  approved  by  the  same  ma- 
jority it  shall  be  sent  as  a  law  to 
the  Executive,  to  be  formally  pro- 
mulgated. 

Paragraph  4.  The  sanction  and 
promulgation  shall  be  made  in 
the  following  language: 

1.  "The  National  Congress 
enacts  and  I  approve  the  following 
law  (or  resolution)." 

2.  "The  National  Congress 
enacts  and  I  promulgate  the  fol- 
lowing law  (or  resolution)." 

Art.  38.  If  the  law  is  not  pro- 
mulgated within  forty-eight  hours 
by  the  President  of  the  Republic 
in  the  cases  specified  in  sections  2 
and  3  of  article  37,  the  president 
of  the  Senate,  or  the  vice-presi- 
dent, if  the  president  does  not  do 
it  in  the  same  period,  shall  pro- 
mulgate it,  using  the  following 
language:  "I,  the  president  (or 
the  vice-president)  of  the  Senate, 
do  hereby  make  known  to  all  those 
who  may  see  these  presents  that 
the  National  Congress  enacts  and 
promulgates  the  following  law  or 
resolution." 

Art.  39.  A  bill  from  one  cham- 
ber, amended  in  the  other,  shall 
return  to  the  former,  and  if  ac- 
cepted by  it  as  amended,  shall  be 
sent  to  the  Executive. 

Paragraph  1.  In  the  contrary 
case,  it  shall  go  back  to  the  chamber 
where  it  was  amended,  and  if  the 


CONSTITUTION. 


147 


teryos  dos  votos  dos  membros  pre- 
senters, considerar-se-hao  appro- 
vadas,  sendo  entao  remettidas  com 
o  projecto  a  Camara  iniciadora, 
que  so  podera  reproval-as  pela 
mesma  maioria. 


Paragrapho  2°.  Rejeitadas  deste 
modo  as  alteracSes,  o  projecto  sera 
submettido  a  sanccao  do  Poder 
Executivo. 

Art.  40.  Os  projectos  rejeita- 
dos,  ou  nao  sanccionados,  nao 
poderao  ser  renovados  na  mesma 
sessao  legislativa. 

SECgAO   II. 

Do  Poder  Executivo. 

Capitulo  I. 

Do  Presidente  e  do  Vice-Presidente. 

Art.  41.  Exerce  o  Poder  Exe- 
cutivo o  Presidente  da  Republica 
dos  Estados  Unidos  do  Brazil, 
como  chef e  electivo  da  Nacao. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Substitue  o  Pre- 
sidente, no  caso  de  impedimento, 
e  succede-lhe,  no  de  falta,  o  Vice- 
Presidente  eleito  simultaneamente 
com  elle. 

Paragrapho  2°.  No  impedimen- 
to ou  falta  do  Vice-Presidente, 
serao  successivamente  chamados  a 
Presidencia  o  Vice-Presidente  do 
Senado,  o  Presidente  da  Camara  e 
o  do  Supremo  Tribunal  Federal. 


Paragrapho  3°.  Sao  condicoes 
essenciaes  para  ser  eleito  Presi- 
dente ou  Vice-Presidente  da  Re- 
publica: 

1°.  Ser  brazileiro  nato. 

2°.  Estar  no  exercicio  dos  direi- 
tos  politicos. 

3°.  Ser  maior  de  trinta  e  cinco 
annos. 

Art.  42.  Si,  no  caso  de  vaga, 
por  qualquer  causa,  da  Presidencia 


alterations  receive  the  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  present, 
they  shall  be  considered  as  ap- 
proved, and  shall  then  be  sent, 
together  with  the  bill,  to  the  cham- 
ber where  it  originated,  which 
can  only  reject  them  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote. 

Paragraph  2.  If  the  alterations 
are  rejected  by  such  vote,  the  bill 
shall  be  submitted  without  them 
to  the  approval  of  the  Executive. 

Art.  40.  Bills  finally  rejected, 
or  not  approved,  shall  not  be  pre- 
sented again  in  the  same  legislative 
session. 

SECTION   II. 

The  Executive  Power. 

Chapter  I. 

T)ie  President  and  Vice-president. 

Art.  41.  The  Executive  Power 
is  vested  in  the  President  of  the 
United  States  of  Brazil,  as  elective 
head  of  the  Nation. 

Paragraph  1.  The  Vice-presi- 
dent, elected  simultaneously  with 
the  President,  shall  substitute  the 
latter  in  case  of  impediment,  and 
succeed  him  in  case  of  vacancy  in 
the  Presidency. 

Paragraph  2.  In  case  of  impedi- 
ment of  the  Vice-president,  or  va- 
cancy of  his  office,  the  following 
shall  be  called  in  the  order  named, 
to  fill  the  Presidency:  The  vice- 
president  of  the  Senate,  the  pres- 
ident of  the  Chamber  of  Depu- 
ties, the  president  of  the  Federal 
Supreme  Court. 

Paragraph  3.  The  following  are 
the  essential  conditions  of  eligi- 
bility to  the  Presidency  or  Vice- 
presidency  of  the  Republic: 

1.  To  be  a  native  of  Brazil. 

2.  To  be  in  the  exercise  of  polit- 
ical rights. 

3.  To  be  over  thirty-five  years 
of  age. 

Art.  42.  If  the  vacancy  in  the 
Presidency     or    Vice-presidency 


148 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


ou  Vice-Presidencia,  nao  houve- 
rem  ainda  decorrido  dous  annos 
do  periodo  presidencial,  proceder- 
se-ha  a  nova  eleicSo. 

Art.  43.  O  Presidente  exercera 
o  cargo  por  quatro  annos,  nao  po- 
dendo  ser  reeleito  para  o  periodo 
presidencial  immediate. 

Paragrapho  1°.  O  Vice-Presi- 
dente  que  exercer  a  Presidencia  no 
ultimo  anno  do  periodo  presiden- 
cial nao  podera  ser  eleito  Presi- 
dente para  o  periodo  seguinte. 

Paragrapho  2°.  O  Presidente 
deixara  o  exercicio  de  suas  func- 
c5es,  improrogavelmente,  no  mes- 
mo  dia  em  que  terminal*  o  seu  pe- 
riodo presidencial,  succedendo-lhe 
logo  o  recem-eleito. 

Paragrapho  3°.  Si  este  se  achar 
impedido,  ou  faltar,  a  substituicao 
far-se-ha  nos  termos  do  artigo  41, 
paragraphos  1°  e  2°. 

Paragrapho  4°.  O  primeiro 
periodo  presidencial  terminara  a 
quinze  de  Novembro  de  mil  oito- 
centos  noventa  e  quatro. 

Art.  44.  Ao  empossar-se  do 
cargo,  o  Presidente  pronunciara, 
em  sessao  do  Congresso,  ou,  si 
este  nao  estiver  reunido,  ante  o 
Supremo  Tribunal  Federal,  esta 
affirmacao: 

"Prometto  manter  e  cumprir 
com  perfeita  lealdade  a  Constitui- 
cao  h  ederal,  promover  o  bem  geral 
da  Republica,  observar  as  suas  leis, 
sustentar-lhe  a  uniao,  a  integri- 
dade  e  a  independencia." 

Art.  45.  O  Presidente  e  o  Vice- 
Presidente  nao  podem  sahir  do 
territorio  nacional  sem  permissao 
do  Congresso,  sob  pena  de  per- 
derem  o  cargo. 

Art.  46.  O  Presidente  e  o  Viee- 
Presidente  perceberao  subsidio 
fixado  pelo  Congresso  no  periodo 
presidencial  antecedente. 


occurs,  for  anj-  cause  whatever, 
before  two  years  of  the  presiden- 
tial term  have  elapsed,  a  new  elec- 
tion shall  be  held. 

Art.  43.  The  President  shall 
hold  his  office  for  four  years,  and 
shall  not  be  reelected  for  the  suc- 
ceeding presidential  term. 

Paragraph  1.  The  Vice-presi- 
dent, who  shall  fill  the  Presidency 
during  the  last  year  of  the  presi- 
dential term,  shall  not  be  eligible 
to  the  Presidency  for  the  next 
term  of  that  office. 

Paragraph  2.  The  President 
shall  cease  to  exercise  his  powers, 
without  fail,  on  the  same  day  on 
which  his  presidential  term  ex- 
pires, and  the  newly  elected  Pres- 
ident shall  at  once  succeed  him. 

Paragraph  3.  If  the  latter  should 
fail  to  enter  into  the  discharge  of 
his  duties,  the  succession  shall  be 
effected  in  accordance  with  para- 
graphs 1  and  2  of  article  41. 

Paragraph  4.  The  first  presi- 
dential term  shall  expire  on  the 
fifteenth  of  November,  eighteen 
hundred  and  ninety-four. 

Art.  44.  On  taking  possession 
of  his  office,  the  President,  in  pub- 
lic session  of  Congress,  or  if  that 
body  is  not  in  session,  before  the 
Federal  Supreme  Court,  shall  take 
the  following  affirmation: 

"I  promise  to  maintain  the 
Federal  Constitution  and  comply 
with  its  provisions  with  perfect  loy- 
alty, to  promote  the  general  wel- 
fare of  the  Republic,  to  observe 
the  laws  and  sustain  the  Union, 
its  integrity  and  independence." 

Art.  45.  The  President  and  Vice- 
president  shall  not  leave  the  na- 
tional territory  without  the  per- 
mission of  the  Congress,  under 
penalty  of  loss  of  office. 

Art.  46.  The  President  and  Vice- 
president  shall  receive  the  salary 
fixed  by  the  Congress  in  the  pre- 
ceding presidential  term. 


CONSTITUTION. 


149 


Capitulo  II. 


Chapter  II. 


Da  eleicao  do  Presidente  e  Vice-Presidente.       Election  of  President  and  Vice-President. 


Art.  47.  O  Presidente  e  o  Vice- 
Presidente  da  Republica  serao 
eleitos  por  suffragio  directo  da 
Nacao  e  maioria  absoluta  de  votos. 

Paragrapho  1°.  A  eleicao  tera 
logar  no  dia  priraeiro  de  Marco  do 
ultimo  anno  do  periodo  presiden- 
cial,  procedendo-se  na  Capital 
Federal  e  nas  Capitaes  dos  Estados 
a  apuracao  dos  votos  recebidos  nas 
respectivas  circumscripcoes.  O 
Congresso  fara  a  apuracao  na  sua 
primeira  sessao  do  mesmo  anno, 
com  qualquer  numero  de  membros 
presentes. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Si  nenhum  dos 
votados  houver  alcancado  maioria 
absoluta,  o  Congresso  elegera,  por 
maioria  dos  votos  presentes,  um 
d'entre  os  que  tiverem  alcancado 
as  duas  votacoes  mais  elevadas  na 
eleicao  directa. 

Em  caso  de  empate,  considerar- 
se-ha  eleito  o  mais  velho. 

Paragrapho  3°.  O  processo  da 
eleicao  e  da  apuracao  sera  regula- 
do  por  lei  ordinaria. 

Paragrapho  4°.  Sao  inelegiveis 
para  os  cargos  de  Presidente  e 
Vice-Presidente  os  parentes  con- 
sanguineos  e  affins,  nos  primeiro  e 
segundo  graos,  do  Presidente  ou 
Vice-Presidente  que  se  achar  em 
exercicio  no  momento  da  eleicao 
ou  que  o  tenha  deixado  ate  seis 
mezes  antes. 

Capitulo  III. 

Das  attribuigOes  do  Poder  Executivo. 

Art.  48.  Compete  privativa- 
mente  ao  Presidente  da  Republica: 

1°.  Sanccionar,  promulgar  e 
fazer  publicar  as  leis  e  resolucoes 
do  Congresso;  expedir  decretos, 


Art.  47.  The  President  and 
Vice-President  of  the  Republic 
shall  be  elected  by  direct  suffrage 
of  the  Nation  and  by  an  absolute 
majority  of  votes. 

Paragraph  1.  The  election  shall 
be  held  on  the  first  day  of  March 
of  the  last  year  of  the  presidential 
term,  and  the  examination  of  the 
votes  received  in  the  respective 
circumscriptions  shall  be  made  in 
the  Federal  capital  and  in  the  cap- 
itals of  the  States.  Congress  shall 
count  the  votes  in  its  first  meeting 
of  the  same  year,  with  whatever 
number  of  members  may  be  pres- 
ent. 

Paragraph  2.  In  case  no  one  of 
those  voted  upon  shall  have  re- 
ceived an  absolute  majority  of 
votes,  Congress  shall  elect,  by  a 
majority  vote  of  those  present, 
one  out  of  the  two  persons  who 
have  obtained  the  greatest  number 
of  votes  in  the  direct  election. 

In  case  of  tie  the  candidate  of 
greatest  age  shall  be  considered 
elected. 

Paragraph  3.  The  process  of 
election  and  counting  of  votes  shall 
be  regulated  by  ordinary  law. 

Paragraph  4.  The  relatives, 
whether  b}T  blood  or  affinity,  within 
the  first  and  second  degrees,  of  the 
President  or  Vice-President  who  is 
in  the  exercise  of  his  powers  at  the 
time  of  the  election,  or  was  so  six 
months  before,  shall  be  ineligible 
to  the  offices  of  President  and  Vice- 
President. 

Chapter  III. 

The  powers  of  the  Executive. 

Art.  48.  To  the  President  of  the 
Republic  belongs  the  exclusive 
right  to: 

1.  Sanction,  promulgate,  and 
make  public  the  laws  and  resolu- 
tions of  the  Congress;  issue  de- 


150 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


instruccSes  e  regulamentos  para  a 
sua  tiel  execucao. 

2°.  Nomear  e  demittir  livre- 
mente  os  Ministros  de  Estado. 

3°.  Exercer  ou  designar  quern 
devaexercer  o  commando  supremo 
das  foreas  de  terra  e  mar  dos  Es- 
tados  Unidos  do  Brazil,  quando 
forem  chamadas  as  armas  em  de- 
fesa  interna  ou  externa  da  Uniao. 

4°.  Administrar  o  Exercito  e  a 
Armada  e  distribuir  as  respectivas 
t'oryas,  conforme  as  leis  Federaes 
e  as  necessidades  do  Governo 
Naeional. 

5°.  Prover  os  cargos  civis  e 
militares  de  caracter  federal,  sal- 
vas  as  restriccSes  expressas  na 
Constituicao. 

6°.  Indultarecommutaraspenas 
nos  crimes  sujeitos  a  jurisdiccao 
federal,  salvo  nos  casos  a  que  se 
referem  os  artigos  34,  No.  28,  e 
52,  paragrapho  2°. 

7°.  Declarar  a  guerra  e  fazer  a 
paz,  nos  termos  do  artigo  34,  No. 
11. 

8°.  Declarar  immediatamente  a 
guerra,  nos  casos  de  invasao  ou 
aggressao  extrangeira. 

9°.  Dar  conta  annualmente  da 
situacao  do  paiz  ao  Congresso 
Nacional,  indicando-lhe  as  provi- 
dencias  e  reformas  urgentes,  em 
mensagem,  que  remettera  ao  Se- 
cretario  do  Senado  no  dia  da  aber- 
tura  da  sessao  legislativa. 


10°.  Convocar  o  Congresso  ex- 
traordinariamente. 

11°.  Nomear  os  magistrados  fe- 
deraes mediante  proposta  do  Su- 
premo Tribunal. 

12°.  Nomear  os  membros  do 
Supremo  Tribunal  Federal  e  os 
ministros  diplomaticos,  sujeitan- 
do  a  noineacao  a  approvayao  do 
Senado. 

Na  ausencia  do  Congresso,  desig- 
nal-os-ha  em  commissao  ate*  que  o 
Senado  se  pronuncie. 


crees,  instructions,  and  regulations 
for  their  faithful  execution. 

2.  Appoint  and  dismiss  at  will 
the  cabinet  officers. 

3.  Exercise,  or  designate  one 
who  shall  exercise  supreme  com- 
mand over  the  land  and  naval  forces 
of  the  United  States  of  Brazil 
when  called  to  arms  for  the  inter- 
nal or  external  defense  of  the 
Union. 

4.  Govern  the  Army  and  Navy 
and  distribute  their  respective 
forces,  in  accordance  with  the  Fed- 
eral laws  and  the  needs  of  the 
National  Government. 

5.  Dispose  of  the  civil  and  mili- 
tary offices  of  a  Federal  character, 
have  the  restrictions  specified  in 
the  Constitution. 

6.  Pardon  and  commute  penal- 
ties for  crimes  subject  to  Federal 
jurisdiction,  save  in  the  cases  men- 
tioned in  articles  34,  No.  28,  and 
52,  section  2. 

7.  Declare  war  and  make  peace, 
under  the  provisions  of  article  34, 
No.  11. 

8.  Declare  war  at  once  in  cases 
of  foreign  invasion  or  aggression. 

9.  Give  an  annual  statement  to 
the  National  Congress  of  the  con- 
dition of  the  country ,  with  a  recom- 
mendation of  pressing  provisions 
and  reforms,  through  a  message, 
which  he  shall  send  to  the  secre- 
tary of  the  Senate  on  the  day  of 
the  opening  of  the  legislative  ses- 
sion. 

10.  Convoke  the  Congress  in 
extraordinary  session. 

11.  Appoint  the  Federal  judges 
upon  nomination  by  the  Supreme 
Court. 

12.  Appoint  the  members  of  the 
Federal  Supreme  Court  and  minis- 
ters of  the  diplomatic  corps,  with 
the  approval  of  the  Senate;  and, 
in  the  absence  of  the  Congress, 
appoint  them  temporarily  until 
considered  by  the  Senate. 


CONSTITUTION. 


151 


13°.  Nomear  os  demais  membros 
do  corpo  diplomatico  e  os  agentes 
consulares. 

14°.  Manter  as  relacoes  com  Es- 
tados  extrangeiros. 

15°.  Declarar,  por  si  ou  seus 
agentes  responsaveis,  o  estado  de 
sitio  em  qualquer  ponto  do  terri- 
torio  nacional,  nos  casos  de  ag- 
gressao  extrangeira  ou  grave 
commocao  intestina  (art.  6,  No.  3; 
art.  34,  No.  21,  e  art.  80). 

16°.  Entabolar  negociacoes  in- 
ternacionaes,  celebrar  ajustes,  con- 
vencoes  e  tratados,  sempre  ad 
referendum  do  Congresso,  e  ap- 
proval' os  que  os  Estados  celebra- 
rem  na  eonformidade  do  artigo  65, 
submettendo-os,  quando  cumprir, 
a  autoridade  do  Congresso. 

Capitulo  IV. 
Dos  Ministros  de  Estado. 

Art.  49.  O  Presidente  da  Re- 
publica  e  auxiliado  pelos  Ministros 
de  Estado,  agentes  de  sua  confian- 
ea,  que  lhe  subscrevem  os  actos, 
e  cada  um  d'elles  presidira  a  um 
dos  Ministerios  em  que  se  dividir 
a  administracao  federal. 

Art.  50.  Os  Ministros  de  Estado 
nao  poderao  accumular  o  exercicio 
de  outro  emprego  ou  funccao  pu- 
blica,  nem  ser  eleitos  Presidente  e 
Vice-Presidente  da  Uniao,  Depu- 
tado  ou  Senador. 

Paragrapho  unico.  O  Deputado 
ou  Senador  que  acceitar  o  cargo  de 
Ministro  de  Estado  perdera  o 
mandato,  e  proceder-se-ha  imme- 
diatamente  a  nova  eleicao,  na  qual 
nao  podera  ser  votado. 

Art.  51.  Os  Ministros  de  Estado 
nao  poderao  comparecer  as  sessoes 
do  Congresso  e  so  se  communica- 
rao  com  elle  por  escripto,  ou  pesso- 
almente  em  cont'erencias  com  as 
commissoes  das  Camaras. 

Os  relatorios  annuaes  dos  Mi- 
nistros serao  dirigidos  ao  Pre- 
sidente da  Republica  e  distribui- 


13.  Appoint  all  other  members 
of  the  diplomatic  corps  and  con- 
sular agents. 

14.  Maintain  relations  with  for- 
eign States. 

15.  Declare  directly,  or  through 
his  responsible  agents,  a  state  of 
siege  at  any  point  of  the  national 
territory,  in  case  of  foreign  ag- 
gression or  serious  internal  dis- 
turbance (art.  6,  No.  3;  art.  34, 
No.  21;  and  art.  80). 

16.  Set  on  foot  international  ne- 
gotiations, conclude  agreements, 
conventions,  and  treaties,  always 
ad  referendum  to  the  Congress, 
and  approve  those  made  by  the 
States  in  conformity  with  article 
65,  submitting  them,  when  neces- 
sary, to  the  authority  of  the  Con- 
gress. 

Chapter  IV. 

Cabinet  ministers. 

Art.  49.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  is  assisted  by  the  Minis- 
ters of  State,  agents  of  his  confi- 
dence, who  sign  the  acts  and  preside 
respectively  over  one  of  the  De- 
partments into  which  the  Federal 
administration  is  divided. 

Art.  50.  The  Ministers  of  State 
shall  not  exercise  any  other  em- 
ployment or  function  of  a  public 
nature,  nor  can  they  be  elected 
President  or  Vice-President  of  the 
Union,  Deputy  or  Senator. 

Sole  paragraph.  Any  Deputy  or 
Senator  who  shall  accept  the  posi7 
tion  of  Cabinet  Minister  shall  lose 
his  seat  in  the  respective  chamber, 
and  a  new  election  shall  at  once  be 
held,  in  which  he  shall  not  be 
voted  for. 

Art.  51.  The  Cabinet  Ministers 
shall  not  appear  at  the  meetings  of 
the  Congress  and  shall  communi- 
cate with  that  body  only  in  writing. 
They  may  personally  appear  before 
the  committees  of  the  chambers. 

The  annual  reports  of  the  Min- 
isters shall  be  addressed  to  the 
President  of  the  Republic  and  dis  - 


152 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


dos  por  todos  os  membros  do  Con- 
gresses 

Art.  52.  Os  Ministros  de  Estado 
nao  sao  responsaveis  perante  o 
Congresso  ou  perante  os  tribunaes, 
pelos  conselhos  dados  ao  Presi- 
dente  da  Republica. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Respondent,  po- 
r6m,  quanto  aos  seus  actos,  pelos 
crimes  qualificados  em  lei. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Nos  crimes  com- 
muns  e  de  responsabilidade  serao 
processados  e  julgados  pelo  Su- 
premo Tribunal  Federal,  e,  nos 
connexos  com  os  do  Presidente  da 
Republica,  pela  autoridade  com- 
petente  para  o  julgamento  d'este. 


Capitulo  V. 
Da  responsabilidade  do  Presidente. 

Art.  53.  O  Presidente  dos  Esta- 
dos  Unidos  do  Brazil  sera  submet- 
tido  a  processo  e  a  julgamento, 
depois  que  a  Camara  declarar  pro- 
cedente  a  accusayao,  perante  o 
Supremo  Tribunal  Federal  nos 
crimes  communs  e,  nos  de  respon- 
sabilidade, perante  o  Senado. 

Paragrapho   unico.     Decretada 

?rocedencia  da  accusacao,  ficara  o 
residente  suspenso  de  suas  func- 
cdes. 

Art.  54.  Sao  crimes  de  respon- 
sabilidade os  actos  do  Presidente 
da  Republica,  que  attentarem 
contra — 

1°.  A  existencia  politica  da 
Uniao. 

2°.  A  Constituicao  e  a  forma  do 
Governo  Federal. 

3°.  O  livre  exercicio  dos  poderes 
politicos. 

4°.  O  gozo  e  exercicio  legal  dos 
direitos  politicos  ou  individuaes. 

5°.  A  seguranca  interna  do  paiz. 

6°.  A  probidade  da  administra- 
cao. 


tributed  to  all  the  members  of 
Congress. 

Art.  52.  The  Cabinet  Ministers 
are  not  responsible  to  the  Con- 
gress or  to  the  courts  for  advice 
given  to  the  President  of  the  Re- 
public. 

Paragraph  1.  They  are  respon- 
sible, nevertheless,  with  respect  to 
their  acts,  for  crimes  defined  in 
the  criminal  law. 

Paragraph  2.  For  common  of- 
fenses ana  in  cases  of  impeach- 
ment they  shall  be  prosecuted  and 
tried  by  the  Federal  Supreme 
Court;  and  for  those  committed 
jointly  with  the  President  of  the 
Republic,  by  the  authority  compe- 
tent to  pass  judgment  on  the  latter. 

Chapter  V. 
The  responsibility  of  the  President. 

Art.  53.  The  President  of  the 
United  States  of  Brazil  shall  be 
brought  to  trial  and  sentence,  after 
the  Chamber  of  Deputies  shall  have 
decided  that  he  should  be  tried  on 
the  charges  made  against  him,  in 
the  Federal  Supreme  Court  in 
cases  of  common  crimes,  and  in  the 
Senate  in  cases  of  impeachment. 

k^ole  paragraph.  After  it  has 
been  decidea  that  the  President 
shall  be  tried,  he  shall  be  suspended 
from  the  exercise  of  his  functions. 

Art.  54.  Acts  for  which  the 
President  of  the  Republic  shall  be 
impeached  are  those  which  are  di- 
rected against: 

1.  The  political  existence  of  the 
Union. 

2.  The  Constitution  and  the 
form  of  the  Federal  Government. 

3.  The  free  exercise  of  the  po- 
litical powers. 

4.  The  legal  enjo\rment  and  ex- 
ercise of  political  or  individual 
rights. 

5.  The  internal  security  of  the 
country. 

6.  The  honestj'  of  the  adminis- 
tration. 


CONSTITUTION. 


153 


7°.  A  guarda  e  emprego  consti- 
tucional  dos  dinheiros  publicos. 

8°.  As  leis  oryamentarias  vota- 
das  pelo  Congresso. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Esses  delictos 
serao  definidos  em  lei  especial. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Outra  lei  re- 
gulars* a  aceusacao,  o  processo  e 
o  julgamento. 

Paragrapho  3°.  Ambas  essas  leis 
serao  feitas  na  primeira  sessao  do 
primeiro  Congresso. 

SECCAO   III. 

Do  poder  judiciario. 

Art.  55.  O  Poder  Judiciario  da 
Uniao  tera  por  orgaos  urn  Supremo 
Tribunal  Federal,  com  sede  na 
capital  da  Repu blica,  e  tantos  j uizes 
e  tribunaes  federaes,  distribuidos 
pelo  paiz,  quantos  o  Congresso 
crear. 

Art.  56.  O  Supremo  Tribunal 
Federal  compor-se-ha  de  quinze 
juizes,  nomeados  na  forma  do 
artigo  48,  No.  12,  d'entre  os  cida- 
daos  de  notavel  saber  e  reputacao, 
elegiveis  para  o  Senado. 

Art.  57.  Os  juizes  Federaes  sao 
vitalicios  e  perderao  o  cargo  uni- 
camente  por  sentenya  judicial. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Os  seus  venci- 
mentos  serao  determinados  por  lei 
e  nao  poderao  ser  dinrinuidos. 

Paragrapho  2°.  O  Senado  jul- 
garaos  membrosdo  Supremo  Tri- 
bunal nos  crimes  de  responsabili- 
dade^  e  este  os  juizes  federaes 
inferiores. 

Art.  58.  Os  tribunaes  federaes 
elegerao  de  seu  seio  os  seus  presi- 
dentes  e  organizarao  as  respectivas 
secretarias. 

Paragrapho  1°.  A  nomeacao  e  a 
demissao  dos  empregados  de  secre- 
taria,  bem  como  o  provimento  dos 
officios  de  justica  nas  circumscrip- 
yoes  judiciarias,  compete  respecti- 
vamente  aos  presidentes  dos  tri- 
bunaes. 


7.  The  constitutional  custody 
and  use  of  the  public  funds. 

8.  The  appropriations  voted  by 
Congress. 

Paragraph  1.  These  offenses 
shall  be  defined  by  a  special  law. 

Paragraph  2.  Another  law  shall 
provide  for  the  manner  and  form 
of  proceeding  in  the  trial. 

Paragraph  3.  Both  these  laws 
shall  be  enacted  in  the  first  session 
of  the  first  Congress. 

SECTION    III. 

The  Judiciary. 

Art.  55.  The  Judicial  Power  of 
the  Union  shall  be  vested  in  a 
Federal  Supreme  Court,  sitting  in 
the  capital  of  the  Republic,  and  in 
as  many  inferior  Federal  courts 
and  tribunals,  distributed  through 
the  country,  as  the  Congress  shall 
create. 

Art.  56.  The  Federal  Supreme 
Court  shall  be  composed  of  fifteen 
justices,  appointed  under  the  pro- 
visions of  article  48,  No.  12,  from 
among  the  citizens  of  notable 
learning  and  reputation,  eligible 
to  the  Senate. 

Art.  57.  The  Federal  justices 
shall  hold  office  for  life,  being  re- 
moved solely  by  judicial  sentence. 

Paragraph  1.  Their  salaries 
shall  be  fixed  by  law  and  can  not 
be  diminished. 

Paragraph  2.  The  Senate  shall 
try  the  impeachments  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Federal  Supreme  Court 
and  the  Federal  Supreme  Court 
those  of  the  lower  Federal  judges. 

Art.  58.  The  Federal  *  courts 
shall  choose  their  chief  justices 
from  among  their  own  members, 
and  shall  organize  their  respective 
clerical  corps. 

Paragraph  1.  In  these  corps  the 
appointment  and  dismissal  of  the 
respective  clerks,  as  well  as  the 
filling  of  the  judicial  offices  in 
the  respective  judicial  districts 
shall  belong  to  the  chief  justices 
of  the  respective  courts. 


154 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


Paragrapho  2°.  OPresidente  da 
Republica  designara,  dentre  os 
membros  do  Supremo  Tribunal 
Federal,  o  Procurador  Geral  da 
Republica,  cujas  attribuicOes  se 
dennirao  em  lei. 

Art.  59.  Ao  Supremo  Tribunal 
Federal  compete: 

I.  Processar  e  julgar  originaria 
e  privativamente: 

{a)  O  Presidente  da  Republica 
nos  crimes  communs  e  os  Ministros 
de  Estado  nos  casos  do  artigo  52. 

(b)  Os  ministros  diplomaticos 
nos  crimes  communs  e  nos  de  re- 
sponsabilidade. 

(c)  As  causas  e  conflictos  entre 
a  Uniao  e  os  Estados,  ou  entre 
estes  uns  com  os  outros. 

(d)  Os  litigios  e  as  reclamac<5es 
entre  nacoes  estrangeiras  e  a  Uniao 
ou  os  Estados. 

(e)  Os  conflictos  dos  juizes  ou 
Tribunaes  Federaes  entre  si,  ou  en- 
tre estes  e  os  dos  Estados,  assim 
como  os  dos  juizes  e  tribunaes  de 
urn  Estado  com  os  juizes  e  os  tri- 
bunaes de  outro  Estado. 

II.  Julgar  em  grao  de  recurso 
as  questSes  resolvidas  pelos  juizes 
e  Tribunaes  Federaes,  assim  como 
as  de  que  tratam  o  presente  artigo, 
paragrapho  1°,  e  o  artigo  60. 

III.  Rever  os  processos  lindos, 
nos  termos  do  artigo  81. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Das  sentencas 
das  justicas  dos  Estados  em  ultima 
instancia  havera  recurso  para  o 
Supremo  Tribunal  Federal — 

(a)  Quando  se  questionar  sobre 
a  validade  ou  a  applicacao  de  tra- 
tados  e  leis  federaes,  e  a  decisao 
do  tribunal  do  Estado  tor  contra 
ella: 

(b)  Quando  se  contestar  a  vali- 
dade de  leis  ou  de  actos  dos  go- 
vernos  dos  Estados  em  face  da  Con- 
stituivao  ou  das  leis  federaes  e  a 
decisao  do  tribunal  do  Estado  con- 


Paragraph  2.  The  President  of 
the  Republic  shall  appoint  from 
among  the  members  of  the  Federal 
Supreme  Court,  the  Attorney- 
General  of  the  Republic,  whose 
duties  shall  be  defined  by  law. 

Art.  59.  To  the  Federal  Supreme 
Court  belongs  the  duty  of: 

I.  Prosecuting  with  original  and 
exclusive  jurisdiction: 

(a)  The  President  of  the  Repub- 
lic for  common  crimes,  and  the 
Cabinet  Ministers  in  the  cases 
specified  in  article  52. 

(b)  The  diplomatic  ministers  for 
common  crimes  and  in  cases  of 
impeachment. 

(c)  Questions  and  conflicts  be- 
tween the  Union  and  the  States, 
or  between  the  States  one  with 
another. 

(d)  Disputes  and  claims  between 
foreign  nations  and  the  Union,  or 
between  foreign  nations  and  the 
States. 

(e)  Conflicts  between  the  judges 
or  Federal  courts  one  with  another, 
or  between  these  and  those  of  the 
States,  as  also  conflicts  of  the 
judges  and  courts  of  one  State  with 
the  judges  and  courts  of  another 
State. 

II.  Deciding,  on  appeal,  ques- 
tions passed  upon  by  the  lower 
Federal  courts  and  tribunals,  as 
well  as  those  mentioned  in  Sec- 
tion J  of  the  present  article  and 
in  article  60. 

III.  Reviewing  decided  cases 
under  the  provisions  of  article  81. 

Paragraph  1.  An  appeal  to  the 
Federal  Supreme  Court  can  be 
taken  against  decisions  rendered 
in  the  last  instance,  by  the  State 
courts: 

(a)  When  the  validity  or  appli- 
cation of  the  Federal  laws  or  trea- 
ties is  called  in  question  and  the 
decision  of  the  State  court  shall  be 
against  the  same. 

(b)  When  the  validity  of  laws  or 
acts  of  the  governments  of  the 
States  in  respect  to  the  Constitu- 
tion or  of  the  Federal  laws  is  con- 
tested and  the  State  court  shall 


CONSTITUTION. 


155 


siderar  validos  esses  actos  ou  essas 
leis  impugnadas. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Nos  casos  em 
que  houver  de  applicar  leis  dos 
Estados,  a  justica  federal  consul- 
tant a  jurisprudencia  dos  tribunaes 
locaes,  e,  vice- versa,  as  justicasdos 
Estados  consul tarao  a  jurispruden- 
cia dos  Tribunaes  Federaes,  quando 
houverem  de  interpretar  leis  da 
Uniao. 

Art.  60.  Compete  aos  juizes  ou 
Tribunaes  Federaes  processar  e 
julgar: 

(a)  As  causas  em  que  alguma  das 
partes  f undar  a  accao  ou  a  defesa, 
em  disposicao  da  Constituicao  Fe- 
deral. 

(b)  Todas  as  causas  propostas 
contra  o  Governo  da  Uniao  ou 
Fazenda  Nacional,  fundadas  em 
disposicoes  da  Constituicao,  leis  e 
regulamentos  do  Poder  Executivo, 
ou  em  contractos  celebrados  com  o 
mesmo  Governo. 

(c)  As  causas  provenientes  de 
compensacoes,  reivindicacoes,  in- 
demnisacao  de  prejuizos  ou  quaes- 
quer  outras,  propostas  pelo  Go- 
verno da  Uniao  contra  particula- 
res  ou  vice-versa. 

(d)  Os  litigios  entre  urn  Estado 
e  cidadaos  de  outro,  ou  entre  cida- 
daos de  Estados  diversos,  diversi- 
ficando  as  leis  destes. 

(e)  Os  pleitos  entre  Estados  es- 
trangeiros  e  cidadaos  brazileiros. 

(f)  As  accoes  movidas  por  es- 
trangeiros  e  fundadas,  quer  em 
contractos  com  o  Governo  da 
Uniao,  quer  em  convencOes  ou 
tratados  da  Uniao  com  outras  na- 
coes. 

(g)  As  questoes  de  direito  mari- 
timo  e  navegacao,  assim  no  oceano 
como  nos  rios  e  lagos  do  paiz. 

(A)  As  questoes  de  direito  cri- 
minal ou  civil  internacional. 

(*')  Os  crimes  politicos. 

Paragrapho  1°.  £  vedado  ao 
Congresso  commetter  qualquer 
jurisdiccao  federal  as  justieas  dos 
Estados. 


have  decided  in  favor  of  the  valid- 
ity of  the  acts  or  laws  in  question. 

Paragraph  2.  In  the  cases  which 
involve  the  application  of  the  laws 
of  the  States,  the  Federal  cour, 
shall  consult  the  jurisprudence  of 
the  local  tribunals,  and,  vice  versat 
the  state  court  shall  consider  that 
of  the  Federal  tribunals,  when  the 
interpretation  of  the  laws  of  the 
Union  is  involved. 

Art.  60.  It  belongs  to  the  Fed- 
eral judges  and  courts  to  try  and 
decide: 

(a)  Questions  in  which  the  plain- 
tiff or  the  defendant  bases  his  claim 
or  defense  on  some  provision  of 
the  Federal  Constitution. 

(b)  Suits  against  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  Union  or  the  National 
Treasury,  founded  on  provisions  of 
the  Constitution,  laws  and  regula- 
tions of  the  Executive  power,  or 
on  contractsentered  into  with  the 
same  government. 

(c)  Claims  for  compensation,  re- 
covery of  property,  indemnifica- 
tion for  damages  or  any  other 
claims,  presented  by  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  Union  against  private 
individuals  or  vice  versa. 

(d)  Litigationsbetween  one  State 
and  the  citizens  of  another,  or  be- 
tween citizens  of  different  States, 
when  the  respective  state  laws  are 
different. 

(e)  Suits  between  foreign  States 
and  Brazilian  citizens. 

{/)  Actions  instituted  by  for- 
eigners, founded  on  contracts  with 
the  Federal  Government  or  on 
conventions  or  treaties  between 
the  Union  and  other  nations. 

(g)  Questions  of  maritime  law 
and  those  relating  to  navigation 
whether  of  the  ocean,  or  of  the 
rivers  and  lakes  of  the  country. 

(h)  Questions  of  international 
criminal  or  civil  law. 

(i)  Political  crimes. 

Paragraph  1.  Congress  is  for- 
bidden to  delegate  Federal  juris- 
diction, wholly  or  in  part,  to  any 
State  court. 


156 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


Paragrapho  2°.  As  sentencas  e 
ordens  da  magistratura  federal 
sao  executadas  por  officiaes  judici- 
arios  da  Uniao,  aos  quaes  a  policia 
local  e  obrigada  a  prestar  auxilio, 
quando  invocado  por  elles. 

Art.  61.  As  decisoes  dos  juizes 
ou  tribunaes  dos  Estados,  nas 
materias  de  sua  competencia,  porao 
termo  aos  processos  e  as  questoes, 
salvo  quanto  a — 

1°.  Ilabeas-corpus,  ou 

2°.  Espolio  de  estrangeiro, 
quando  a  especie  nao  estiver  pre- 
vista  em  convenyao  ou  tratado. 

Em  taes  casos  havera  recurso 
voluntario  para  o  Supremo  Tri- 
bunal Federal. 

Art.  62.  As  j  usticas  dos  Estados 
nao  podem  intervir  em  questoes 
submettidas  aos  Tribunaes  Fede- 
raes,  nem  annullar,  alterar  ou  sus- 
pender as  suas  sentencas  ou  ordens. 
E,  reciprocamente,  a  justica  fede- 
ral nao  pode  intervir  em  questoes 
submettidas  aos  tribunaes  dos  Es- 
tados, nem  annullar,  alterar  ou 
suspender  as  decisOes  ou  ordens 
destes,  exceptuados  os  casos  ex- 
pressamente  declarados  nesta  Con- 
stituicao. 

TITITLO  II. 

DOS  ESTADOS. 

Art.  63.  Cada  Estado  reger-se- 
ha  pela  Constituicao  e  pelas  leis 
que  adoptar,  respeitados  os  prin- 
cipios  constitucionaes  da  Uniao. 

Art.  64.  Pertencem  aos  Estados 
as  minas  e  terras  devolutas  situadas 
nos  seus  respectivos  territorios, 
cabendo  a  Uniao  somente  a  porcao 
de  territorio  que  for  indispensavel 
para  a  defesa  das  f ronteiras,  forti- 
ticacoes,  construccoes  "militares  e 
estradas  de  ferro  federaes. 

Paragrapho  unico.  Os  proprios 
nacionaes,  que  nao  forem  necessa- 
rios  para  servicos  da  Uniao  passa- 


Paragraph  2.  Sentences  and  de- 
crees of  the  Federal  judges  shall  be 
enforced  by  Federal  court  officers, 
and  the  local  police  shall  be  bound 
to  assist  the  latter  when  called  upon 
to  do  so. 

Art.  61.  The  decisions  of  the 
State  courts  or  tribunals  of  com- 
petent jurisdiction  shall  put  an 
end  to  the  suits  and  questions  in 
which  they  are  rendered,  except 
in  cases  of: 

1.  Habeas  corpus;  or 

2.  Settlement  of  the  estate  of  a 
foreigner,  deceased,  when  not  pro- 
vided differently  by  convention  or 
treaty. 

In  such  cases  there  shall  be  vol- 
untary recourse  to  the  Federal  Su- 
preme Court. 

Art.  62.  The  State  courts  shall 
not  have  power  to  intervene  in 
questions  submitted  to  the  Fed- 
eral tribunals,  or  to  annul,  alter, 
or  suspend  the  sentences  or  orders 
of  the  latter.  And,  reciprocally, 
the  Federal  justice  can  not  inter- 
vene in  questions  submitted  to  the 
State  courts,  or  annul,  alter,  or 
suspend  the  decisions  or  orders 
of  the  latter,  except  in  the  cases 
expressly  defined  in  this  Constitu- 
tion. 

TITLE  II. 
THE  STATES. 

Art.  63.  Each  State  shall  be 
governed  by  the  Constitution  and 
laws  adopted  by  it,  provided  that 
the  constitutional  principles  of  the 
Union  shall  be  respected. 

Art.  64.  The  mines  and  vacant 
lands  situated  in  the  States  shall 
belong  to  them;  but  the  Union 
shall  have,  however,  the  right  to 
occupy  that  portion  of  the  territory 
which  may  be  necessary  for  the 
defense  of  the  frontier,  fortifica- 
tions, military  constructions,  and 
Federal  railways. 

Sole  paragraph.  National  prop- 
erty which  may  not  be  necessary 
for  the  service  of  the  Union,  shall 


CONSTITUTION. 


157 


rao  ao  dominio  dos   Estados,  em 
cujo  territorio  estiverem  situados. 

Art.  65.  E  facultado  aos  Esta- 
dos: 

1°.  Celebrar  entre  si  ajustes  e 
convencoes  sem  caracler  politico. 
(Art.  48,  No.  16.) 


2°.  Em  geral  todo  e  qualquer 
poder  ou  direito,  que  lhes  nao  for 
negado  por  clausula  expressa  ou 
implicitamente  contida  nas  clausu- 
las  expressas  da  Constituicao. 

Art.  66.  E  defeso  aos  Estados: 

1°.  Recusar  fe  aos  documentos 
publicos,  de  natureza  legislativa, 
administrativa  ou  judiciaria  da 
Uniao  ou  de  qualquer  dos  Estados. 

2°.  Rejeitar  a  moeda,  ou  a  emis- 
sao  bancaria  em  circulacao  por  acto 
do  Governo  Federal. 

3°.  Fazer  ou  declarar  guerra 
entre  si  e  usar  de  represalias. 

4°.  Denegar  a  extradicao  de 
criminosos,  reclamados  pelas  jus- 
ticas  de  outros  Estados  ou  do  Dis- 
tricto  Federal,  segundo  as  leis  da 
Uniao  por  que  esta  materia  se 
reger.     (Art.  34,  No.  32.) 

Art.  67.  Salvas  as  restriccoes 
especificadas  na  Constituicao  e  nas 
leis  federaes,  o  Districto  Federal 
e  administrado  pelas  auctoridades 
municipaes. 

Paragrapho  unico.  As  despezas 
de  caracter  local,  na  Capital  da 
Republica,  incumbem  exclusiva- 
mente  a  auctoridade  municipal. 

TITULO    III. 

DO    MUNICIPIO. 

Art.  68.  Os  Estados  organizar 
se-hao  de  forma  que  fique  assegu- 
rada  a  autonomia  dos  municipios, 
em  tudo  quanto  respeite  ao  seu 
peculiar  interesse. 


pass  to  the  dominion  of  the  States 
in  whose  territory  they  may  be 
situated. 

Art.  65.  The  States  shall  have 
the  right: 

1.  To  enter  into  agreements 
and  conventions  with  each  other, 
if  said  agreements  and  conventions 
are  not  of  a  political  character. 
(Art.  48,  No.  16.) 

2.  To  use  in  general,  any  power, 
or  right,  not  denied  to  them  by 
a  provision,  expressed  or  implied, 
of  the  Constitution. 

Art.  6.  It  is  forbidden  to  the 
States: 

1.  To  refuse  faith  and  credit  to 
public  documents  of  the  Union,  or 
of  any  State,  of  legislative,  ad- 
ministrative, or  judicial  character. 

2.  To  deny  legal  tender  charac- 
ter to  the  currency,  whether  coin 
or  paper,  put  in  circulation  by  the 
Federal  Government. 

3.  To  wage  or  declare  war,  one 
against  another,  or  exercise  re- 
prisals. 

4.  To  refuse  the  extradition  of 
criminals  when  requested  b}r  the 
justice  of  other  States,  or  of  the 
Federal  District,  in  conformity 
with  the  laws  of  Congress  relat- 
ing to  this  subject.  (Art.  34,  No. 
32.) 

Art.  67.  Save  the  restrictions 
specified  in  the  Constitution  and 
the  Federal  laws,  the  Federal  Dis- 
trict shall  be  governed  by  the 
municipal  authorities. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  expenses  of 
local  character  in  the  capital  of  the 
Republic,  shall  be  defrayed  exclu- 
sively by  the  municipal  authority. 

TITLE  III. 

THE  MUNICIPALITY. 

Art.  68.  The  States  shall  organ- 
ize themselves  in  such  a  way  as  to 
assure  the  autonomy  of  the  mu- 
nicipal districts  in  respect  to  all 
that  relates  to  their  particular  in- 
terests. 


158 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


TITULO  rv. 

DOS  CIDADAOS  BRAZILEIROS. 
SECCAO   L 

Das  qualidades  do  cidadao   bra- 
zileiro. 

Art.  69.  Sao  cidadaos  brazil- 
eiros: 

1°.  Os  nascidos  no  Brazil,  ainda 
que  de  pae  estrangeiro,  nao  re- 
sidindo  este  a  servico  de  sua  nacao. 

2°.  Os  filhos  de  pae  brazileiro  e 
os  illegitimos  de  mae  brazileira, 
nascidos  em  paiz  estrangeiro,  si 
estabelecerem  domicilio  na  Repu- 
blica. 

3°.  Os  filhos  de  pae  brazileiro 
que  estiver  n'outro  paiz  ao  servico 
da  Republica,  embora  nella  nao 
venham  domiciliar-se. 

4°.  Os  estrangeiros  que,  achan- 
do-se  no  Brazil  ao  quinze  de  No- 
vembro  de  mil  oitocentos  oitenta  e 
nove,  nao  declararem,  dentro  em 
seis  mezes  depois  de  entrar  em  vi- 
gor a  Constituiyao,  o  animo  de  con- 
servar  a  nacionalidade  de  origem. 

5°.  Os  estrangeiros  que  possui- 
rem  bens  immoveis  no  Brazil  e 
forem  casados  com  Brazileiras  ou 
tiverem  filhos  brazileiros,  com 
tanto  que  residam  no  Brazil,  salvo 
si  manif estarem  a  intenyao  de  nao 
mudar  de  nacionalidade. 

6°.  Os  estrangeiros  por  outro 
modo  naturalizados. 

Art.  70.  Sao  eleitores  os  cida- 
daos maiores  de  vinte  e  um  annos, 
que  se  alistarem  na  forma  da  lei. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Nao  podem  ali- 
star-se  eleitores  para  as.  eleipoes 
federaes  ou  para  as  dos  Estados — 

1°.  Os  mendigos. 

2°.  Os  analphabetos. 


As  pracas  de  pret,  exceptua- 
)s  alumnos  das  escolas  mili- 

A : t__ 


3°. 
dos  os  „ 
tares  de  ensino  superior, 


TITLE  IV. 

BRAZILIAN  CITIZENS. 
SECTION   I. 

Who  are  Brazilian,  citizens. 


Art.  69.  The  following  are  Bra- 
zilian citizens: 

1.  Natives  of  Brazil,  even  if  of 
foreign  parentage,  provided  that 
the  father  does  not  reside  in  Brazil, 
in  the  service  of  his  own  nation. 

2.  Children  of  a  Brazilian 
father,  and  illegitimate  children  of 
a  Brazilian  mother,  born  in  foreign 
countries,  if  they  take  up  their 
residence  in  the  Republic. 

3.  Children  of  a  Brazilian 
father  residing  in  a  foreign  coun- 
try in  the  service  of  the  Republic, 
provided  that  he  does  not  acquire 
a  domicile  there. 

4.  Foreigners,  who  having  been 
in  Brazil  on  the  fifteenth  of 
November,  eighteen  hundred  and 
eighty- nine,  nave  not  declared, 
within  six  months  from  the  time 
when  the  Constitution  began  to  be 
in  force,  their  desire  to  preserve 
their  nationality  of  origin. 

5.  Foreigners  who  hold  real- 
estate  in  Brazil  and  are  married 
to  Brazilian  women,  or  have  Bra- 
zilian children,  provided  that  they 
reside  in  Brazil,  unless  they  have 
declared  their  intention  of  not 
changing  their  nationality. 

6.  Foreigners  naturalized  in  any 
other  way. 

Art.  70.  Citizens  of  more  than 
twenty-one  years  of  age  and  reg- 
istered according  to  law,  shall  be 
electors. 

Paragraph  1.  The  following  shall 
not  be  registered  as  electors  for 
Federal  or  State  elections: 

1.  Beggars; 

2.  Persons  not  knowing  how  to 
read; 

3.  Soldiers  on  pay,  except  cadets 
of  high  military  schools; 


CONSTITUTION. 


159 


•1°.  Os  religiosos  de  ordens  mo- 
nasticas,  companhias,  congrega- 
tes ou  communidades  de  qualquer 
denominacao,  sujeitas  a  voto  de 
obediencia,  regra  ou  estatuto  que 
importe  a  renuncia  da  liberdade 
individual. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Sao  inelegiveis 
os  cidadaos  nao  alistaveis. 

Art.  71.  Os  direitos  de  cidadao 
brazileiro  so  se  suspendem  ou  per- 
dem  nos  casos  aqui  particularisa- 
dos: 

Paragrapho  1°.  Suspendem- se — 

(a)  Por  incapacidade  physica  ou 
moral. 

(b)  Por  condemnacao  criminal, 
em  quanto  durarem  os  seus  ef- 
feitos. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Perdem-se — 

(a)  Por  naturalisacao  em  paiz 
estrangeiro. 

(b)  Por  acceitacao  de  emprego 
ou  pensao  de  governo  estrangeiro, 
sem  licenca  do  Poder  Executivo 
Federal. 

Paragrapho  3°.  Uma  lei  federal 
determinara,  as  condicoes  de  reac- 
quisicao  dos  direitos  de  cidadao 
brazileiro. 

seccao  ii. 

Declaracao  de  direitos. 

Art.  72.  AConstituicaoassegura 
a  Brazileiros  e  a  estrangeiros  re- 
sidentes  no  paiz  a  inviolabilidade 
dos  direitos  concernentes  a  liber- 
dade, a  seguranca  individual  e  a 
propriedade,  nos  termos  seguintes: 

Paragrapho  1°.  Ninguem  pode 
ser  obrigado  a  fazer  ou  deixar  de 
fazer  alguma  cousa,  senao  em  vir- 
tude  de  lei. 

Paragrapho  2°.  Todos  sao  iguaes 
perante  a  lei.  A  Republica  nao 
admitte  privilegios  de  nascimento, 
desconhece  foros  de  nobreza  e  ex- 
tingue  as  ordens  honoriticas  exis- 
tentes  e  todas  as  suas  prerogativas 
e  regalias,  bem  como  os  titulos  no- 
biliarchicos  e  de  conselho. 


4.  Members  of  monastic  orders, 
companies,  congregations  or  com- 
munities of  whatsoever  denomina- 
tion, subject  to  vows  of  obedience, 
or  rules  or  statutes,  implying  the 
surrender  of  individual  liberty. 

Paragraph  2.  Citizens  who  can 
not  be  registered  are  not  eligible 
to  office. 

Art.  71.  The  rights  of  the  Bra- 
zilian citizen  can  be  suspended  or 
lost,  only  in  the  following  cases: 

Paragraph  1.  The  rights  may  be 
suspended: 

(a)  Through  physical  or  moral 
disability. 

(b)  Through  judicial  condemna- 
tion during  the  period  of  its  oper- 
ation. 

Paragraph  2.  They  shall  be  lost: 

(a)  Through  naturalization  in  a 
foreign  country. 

(b)  Through  the  acceptance  of 
employment  or  pension  from  a 
foreign  government,  without  per- 
mission of  the  Federal  Executive. 

Paragraph  3.  A  Federal  law 
shall  determine  the  conditions  for 
the  reacquisition  of  the  rights  of 
Brazilian  citizenship. 

section  ii. 

Declaration  of  rights. 

Art.  72.  The  Constitution  se- 
cures to  Brazilians  and  foreigners 
residing  in  the  country  the  invio- 
lability of  their  rights  touching 
individual  liberty  and  security  and 
property,  in  the  following  terms: 

Paragraph  1.  No  person  shall 
be  forced  to  do,  or  not  to  do,  any- 
thing except  by  virtue  of  law. 

Paragraph  2.  All  persons  are 
equal  before  the  law.  The  Repub- 
lic does  not  recognize  privileges 
of  birth,  or  titles  of  nobility,  and 
abolishes  the  existing  honorific 
orders,  their  prerogatives  and  dec- 
orations, and  all  titles  of  nobility. 


160 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


Paragrapho  3°.  Todos  os  indivi- 
duos  e  contissSes  religiosas  podem 
exercer  publica  e  livremente  o  seu 
culto,  associando-se  para  esse  fim 
e  adquirindo  bens,  observadas  as 
disposiySes  do  direito  commum. 


Paragrapho  4°.  A  Republica  so 
reconhece  o  casamento  civil,  cuja 
celebracao  sera  gratuita. 

Paragrapho  5°.  Os  cemiterios 
terao  caracter  secular  e  serao  ad- 
ministrados  pela  auctoridade  mu- 
nicipal, iicando  livre  a  todos  os 
cultos  religiosos  a  pratica  dos  res- 
pectivos  ritos  em  relacao  aos  seus 
crentes,  desde  que  nao  oflendam  a 
moral  publica  e  as  leis. 

Paragrapho  6°.  Sera  leigo  o 
ensino  ministrado  nos  estabeleci- 
mentos  publicos. 

Paragrapho  7°.  Nenhum  culto 
ou  igreja  gozara  de  subvencao  offi- 
cial, nera  tera  relacoes  de  depen- 
dencia  ou  allianca  com  o  Governo 
da  Cniao  ou  o  dos  Estados. 

Paragrapho  8°.  A  todos  e  licito 
associarem-se  e  reunirem-se  livre- 
mente e  sem  armas,  nao  podendo 
intervir  a  policia  senao  para  man- 
tel* a  ordem  publica. 

Paragrapho  9°.  E  permittido  a 
quem  quer  que  seja  representar, 
mediante  petiyao,  aos  poderes  pu- 
blicos, denunciar  abusos  das  auc- 
toridades  e  promover  a  responsa- 
bilidade  dos  culpados. 

Paragrapho  10.  Em  tempo  de 
paz,  qualquer  pode  entrar  no  ter- 
ritorio  nacional  ou  delle  sahir  com 
a  sua  fortuna  e  bens,  quando  e 
como  lhe  convier,  independente- 
mente  de  passaporte. 

Paragrapho  11.  A  casa  e  o  asylo 
inviolavel  do  individuo;  ninguem 
pode  ahi  penetrar,  de  noite,  sem 
consentimento  do  morador,  senao 
para  acudir  a  victimas  de  crimes, 
ou  desastres ;  nem  de  dia,  senao  nos 


Paragraph  3.  All  individual  per- 
sons and  corporations  of  religious 
character  shall  have  the  right  to 
exercise,  publicly  and  freely,  their 
own  religion,  and  associate  them- 
selves for  that  purpose  and  acquire 
property,  provided  that  the  re- 
quirements of  the  ordinary  law  are 
observed. 

Paragraph  4.  The  Republic 
recognizes  only  the  civil  marriage, 
the  solemnization  of  which  shall  be 
gratuitous. 

Paragraph  5.  The  cemeteries 
shall  be  laical  in  character  and  man- 
aged b}T  the  municipal  authorities, 
but  the  members  of  all  religious 
denominations  shall  be  free  to  use 
there  their  respective  rites,  pro- 
vided that  they  do  not  offend  the 
public  morals  and  the  laws. 

Paragraph  6.  The  instruction 
given  in  the  public  institutions 
shall  be  laical. 

Paragraph  7.  No  church  or  wor- 
ship shall  be  officially  subsidized 
or  made  dependent  on,  or  con- 
nected with,  the  Government  of 
the  Union,  or  of  the  States. 

Paragraph  8.  All  persons  have 
the  right  of  free  association  and 
reunion  without  arms;  and  the 
police  force  shall  not  intervene, 
except  to  maintain  the  public 
order. 

Paragraph  9.  All  persons  shall 
be  permitted  to  address,  by  peti- 
tion, the  public  powers,  denounce 
abuses  of  the  authorities  and  cause 
the  responsibility  of  the  guilty 
parties  to  be  enforced. 

Paragraph  10.  In  time  of  peace 
all  persons  shall  have  the  right  to 
enter  or  leave  the  territory  of  the 
Republic,  carrying  with  them  their 
property  without  necessity  of  se- 
curing a  passport. 

Paragraph  11.  The  house  is  the 
inviolable  asylum  of  the  person 
who  inhabits  it;  and  without  his 
consent  no  one  can  enter  it  at  night, 
except  to  aid  the  victims  of  a  crime 
or  disaster,  or   during  the  day, 


CONSTITUTION. 


161 


casos  e  pela  forma  prescriptos  na 
lei. 

Paragrapho  12.  Em  qualquer 
assumpto  e  livre  a  manif  estacao  de 
pensamento  pela  imprensa  ou  pela 
tribuna,  sem  dependencia  de  cen- 
sura,  respondendo  cada  um  pelos 
abusos  que  commetter,  nos  casos 
e  pela  forma  que  a  lei  determinar. 
NSo  e  permittido  o  anonymato. 

Paragrapho  13.  A  excepcao  do 
flagrante  delicto,  a  prisao  nao  po 
dera  executar-se  senao  depois  de 
pronuncia  do  indiciado,  salvos  os 
casos  determinados  em  lei  e  me- 
diante  ordem  escripta  da  auctori- 
dade  competente. 

Paragrapho  14.  Ninguem  pode- 
ra  ser  conservado  em  prisao  sem 
culpa  f ormada,  salvas  as  excepcoes 
especificadas  em  lei,  nem  levado  a 
prisao,  ou  nella  detido,  si  prestar 
fianca  idonea,  nos  casos  em  que  a 
lei  a  admittir. 

Paragrapho  15.  Ninguem  sera 
sentenciado  senao  pela  auctoridade 
competente,  em  virtude  de  lei  an- 
terior e  na  forma  por  ella  regu- 
lada. 

Paragrapho  16.  Aos  accusados 
se  assegurara  na  lei  a  mais  plena 
defesa,  com  todos  os  recursos  e 
meios  essenciaes  a  ella,  desde  a 
nota  de  culpa,  entregue  em  vinte 
e  quatro  horas  ao  preso  e  assignada 
pela  auctoridade  competente,  com 
os  nomes  do  accusador  e  das  teste- 
munhas. 

Paragrapho  17.  O  direito  de 
propriedade  mantem-se  em  toda  a 
sua  plenitude,  salva  a  desapro- 
priacao  por  necessidade,  ou  utili- 
dade  publica,  mediante  indemni- 
zacao  previa. 

As  minas  pertencem  aos  pro- 
prietaries do  solo,  salvas  as  limi- 
tacoes  que  forem  estabelecidas  por 
lei,  a  bem  da  exploracao  deste 
ramo  de  industria. 

360a— vol  1—06 11 


except  in  the  cases  and  in  the  form 
prescribed  by  law. 

Paragraph  12.  The  expression 
of  opinion  on  all  subjects,  through 
the  press  or  from  the  tribune,  shall 
be  free,  without  subjection  to  cen- 
sorship, each  one  being  responsible 
for  the  abuses  he  may  commit,  in 
the  cases  and  in  the  form  pre- 
scribed by  law.  Anonymous  pub- 
lications shall  not  be  permitted. 

Paragraph  13.  No  arrest  shall 
be  made,  except  in  case  of  flagrante 
delicto,  without  the  prisoner  hav- 
ing been  previously  indicted,  un- 
less otherwise  permitted  by  law, 
and  without  written  order  of  the 
proper  authority. 

Paragraph  14.  No  one  shall  be 
kept  in  prison  without  charges 
having  been  formally  filed  against 
him,  save  the  exceptions  mentioned 
in  the  law,  nor  taken  to  prison, 
or  detained  there  if  he  gives  proper 
bail,  in  cases  where  bail  is  lawful. 

Paragraph  15.  No  person  shall 
be  sentenced,  except  by  compe- 
tent authority,  and  in  virtue  of 
a  preexisting  law,  and  in  the  form 
prescribed  by  it. 

Paragraph  16.  The  law  shall  se- 
cure for  the  accused  the  fullest  de- 
fense and  all  the  recourses  and 
means  essential  thereto,  including 
notice  of  the  charge,  to  be  deliv- 
ered to  the  prisoner  within  twenty- 
four  hours,  signed  by  the  compe- 
tent authority,  and  accompanied 
with  a  list  of  the  names  of  the 
accusers,  and  witnesses. 

Paragraph  IT.  The  rights  of 
property  shall  be  maintained  in  all 
their  plenitude,  and  no  condemna- 
tion shall  be  made,  except  from 
necessity  or  public  utility,  and  in- 
demnity shall,  in  such  cases,  be 
made  beforehand. 

Mines  shall  belong  to  the  own- 
ers of  the  soil,  with  the  limita- 
tions which  ma}T.  be  established  by 
law  to  encourage  the  exploitation 
of  this  industry. 


162 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


Paragrapho  18.  £  inviolavel  o 
sigillo  da  correspondencia. 

Paragrapho  19.  Nenhuma  pena 
passara  da  pessoasfio  delinquente. 

Paragrapno  20/  Fica  abolida  a 
pena  de  gale's  e  a  de  banimento 
judicial. 

Paragrapho  21.  Fica  igualmente 
abolida  a  pena  de  morte,  reservadas 
as  disposicSes  da  legislacao  militar 
em  tempo  de  guerra. 

Paragrapho  22.  Dar-se-ha  o 
Jiabeas-corpus  sempre  que  o  indi- 
viduo  sourer  ou  se  achar  em  im- 
minente  perigo  de  soffrer  violencia 
ou  coaccao,  por  illegalidade  ou 
abuso  de  poder. 

Paragrapho  23.  A  excepcao  das 
causas  que,  por  sua  natureza,  per- 
tencem  a  juizes  especiaes,  nao 
havera  foro  privilegiado. 

Paragrapho  24.  E  garantido  o 
livre  exercicio  de  qualquer  pro- 
fissao  moral,  intellectual  e  indus- 
trial. 

Paragrapho  25.  Os  inventos  in- 
dustriaes  pertencerao  aos  seus 
auctores,  aos  quaes  ficara  garantido 
por  lei  um  privilegio  temporario, 
ou  sera  concedido  pelo  Congresso 
um  premio  razoavel,  quando  haja 
conveniencia  de  vulgarisar  o  in- 
vento. 

Paragrapho  26.  Aos  auctores 
de  obras  litterarias  e  artisticas  e 
garantido  o  direito  exclusivo  de  re- 
produzil-as  pela  imprensa  ou  por 
qualquer  outro  processo  mecamco. 
Os  herdeiros  dos  auctores  goza- 
rao  desse  direito  pelo  tempo  que  a 
lei  determinar. 

Paragrapho  27.  A  lei  assegurara 
tambem  a  propriedade  das  marcas 
de  fabrica. 

Paragrapho  28.  Por  motivo  de 
crenca  ou  de  funccao  religiosa,  ne- 
nhum  cidadao  brazileiro  podera  ser 
privado  de  seus  direitos  civis  e 
politicos,  nem  eximir-se  do  cum- 
primento  de  qualquer  dever  civico. 

Paragrapho  29.  Os  que  allega- 
rem  motivo  de  crenca  religiosa 
com  o  tim  de  se  isentarem  de  qual- 


Paragraph  18.  The  secrecy  of 
correspondence  is  inviolable. 

Paragraph  19.  No  penal ty  shall 
extend  beyond  the  guilty  part}\ 

Paragraph  20.  The  penalty  of 
the  galleys  and  judicial  banish- 
ment are  abolished. 

Paragraph  21.  The  death  pen- 
alty for  political  crimes  is  abol- 
ished, save  those  cases  which  come 
under  the  provisions  of  military 
legislation  in  time  of  war. 

Paragraph  22.  The  writ  of  ha- 
beas-corpus  shall  always  be  granted 
when  the  individual  suffers  or  is  in 
imminent  danger  of  suffering  vio- 
lence or  coertion, through  illegality 
or  abuse  of  power. 

Paragraph  23.  No  privileged 
jurisdiction  shall  be  recognized, 
except  in  those  cases  which,  owing 
to  their  nature,  belong  to  special 
courts. 

Paragraph  24.  The  free  exercise 
of  any  profession,  moral,  intel- 
lectual, or  industrial,  shall  be 
guaranteed. 

Paragraph  25.  Industrial  inven- 
tions shall  belong  to  their  invent- 
ors, who  shall  be  protected  by  a 
patent  granted  for  a  limited  time, 
or  rewarded  by  Congress  with  a 
reasonable  prize,  when  the  useful- 
ness of  the  invention  may  vouch 
for  it. 

Paragraph  26.  The  exclusive 
right  to  reproduce  by  the  press  or 
any  other  mechanical  process,  lit- 
erary or  artistic  works  is  guaran- 
teed to  their  anthors.  The  heirs 
of  the  authors  shall  enjoy  this  right 
for  the  period  which  the  law  shall 
determine. 

Paragraph  27.  The  law  shall  also 
secure  the  ownership  of  trade- 
marks. 

Paragraph  28.  No  Brazilian  citi- 
zen shall  be  deprived  of  his  civil 
or  political  rights,  or  exempted 
from  the  performance  of  any  civic 
duty  whatsoever,  on  account  of 
his  religious  belief  or  office. 

Paragraph  29.  All  those  who 
allege  their  religious  belief  as  a 
reason  for  exempting  themselves 


CONSTITUTION. 


163 


quer  onus  que  as  leis  da  Republica 
imponham  aos  cidadaos,  e  os  que 
acceitarem  condecoracoes  ou  titu 
los  nobiliarchicos  estrangeiros, 
perderao  todos  os  direitos  poli- 
ticos. 

Paragrapho  30.  Nenhum  im- 
posto  de  qualquer  natureza  podera 
ser  cobrado  senao  em  virtude  de 
uma  lei  que  o  auctorize. 

Paragrapho  31.  £  mantida  a 
instituicao  do  juiy. 

Art.  73.  Os  cargos  publicos, 
civis  ou  militares,  sao  accessiveis 
a  todos  os  brazileiros,  observadas 
as  condicoes  de  capacidade  especial 
que  a  lei  estatuir,  sendo,  porem, 
vedadas  as  accumulates  remune- 
radas. 

Art.  74.  As  patentes,  os  postos 
e  os  cargos  inamoviveis  sao  ga- 
rantidos  em  toda  a  sua  plenitude. 

Art.  75.  A  aposentadoria  so 
podera  ser  dada  aos  f  unccionarios 
publicos  em  caso  de  invalidez  no 
servico  da  Nacao. 

Art.  76.  Os  officiaes  do  Exer- 
cito  e  da  Armada  so  perderao  suas 
patentes  por  condemnacao  em 
mais  de  dois  annos  de  prisao,  pas- 
sada  em  julgado  nos  Tribunaes 
competentes. 

Art.  77.  Os  militares  de  terra  e 
mar  terao  f  oro  especial  nos  delictos 
militares. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Este  foro  com- 
por-se-ha  de  um  Supremo  Tribunal 
Militar,  cujos  membros  serao 
vitalicios,  e  dos  conselhos  necessa- 
rios  a  formacao  da  culpa  e  julga- 
mento  dos  crimes. 

Paragrapho  2°.  A  organisacao  e 
attribuicoes  do  Supremo  Tribunal 
Militar  serao  reguladas  por  lei. 

Art.  78.  A  especificacao  das 
garantias  e  direitos,  expressos  na 
Constituicao,  nao  exclue  outras 
garantias  e  direitos,  nao  enumera- 
dos,  mas  resultantes  da  forma  de 
governo  que  ella  estabelece  e  dos 
principios  que  consigna. 


from  any  duty  which  the  laws  of  the 
Republic  impose  upon  its  citizens, 
and  those  who  accept  foreign  deco- 
rations or  titles  of  nobility,  shall 
lose  all  their  political  rights. 

Paragraph  30.  No  tax  of  any 
kind  shall  be  collected  except  un- 
der authority  of  law. 

Paragraph  31.  Trial  b}r  jury 
shall  be  maintained. 

Art.  73.  Public  offices,  civil  or 
military,  shall  be  accessible  to  all 
Brazilian  citizens,  provided  that 
the  conditions  of  special  fitness, 
fixed  by  law,  be  always  observed. 
The  accumulation  of  salaried  posi- 
tions is  forbidden. 

Art.  74.  Commissions,  posi- 
tions, and  offices  to  be  held  for 
life  shall  be  fully  guaranteed. 

Art.  75.  Public  officers  shall  be 
retired  with  pay,  only  in  case  of 
becoming  unable  to  peform  their 
duties,  while  in  the  service  of  the 
nation. 

Art.  76.  Officers  of  the  Army 
and  Navy  shall  forfeit  their  com- 
missions, only  when  condemned 
after  trial,  by  the  competent 
courts  to  more  than  two  years' 
imprisonment. 

Art.  77.  The  military  officers 
of  land  and  sea  shall  be  tried 
by  special  jurisdiction  for  military 
offenses. 

Paragraph  1.  This  jurisdiction 
shall  be  vested  in  a  Supreme  Mili- 
tary Court,  whose  members  shall 
serve  for  life,  and  in  the  court- 
martials  which  may  be  needed  for 
the  proper  trial  of  the  cases. 

Paragraph  2.  The  organization 
and  powers  of  the  Supreme  Mili- 
tary Court  shall  be  established  by 
law. 

Art.  78.  The  enumeration  of 
rights  and  guaranties  made  in  the 
Constitution  shall  not  exclude 
other  rights  and  guarantees,  not 
enumerated,  but  resulting  from 
the  form  of  government  estab- 
lished and  the  principles  pro- 
claimed by  said  Constitution. 


164 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


TITTJL.O  V. 

DISPOSigOES  GERAE8. 

Art.  79.  O  cidadao  investido 
em  func?5es  de  qualquer  dos  tres 
poderes  federaes  nao  podera  exer- 
cer  as  deoutro. 

Art.  80.  Poder-se-ha  declarar 
em  estado  de  sitio  qualquer  parte 
do  territorio  da  Uniao,  suspen- 
dendo-se  ahi  as  garantias  consti- 
tucionaes  por  tempo  determinado, 
quando  a  seguranca  da  Republica 
o  exigir,  era  caso  de  aggressao  es- 
trangeira  ou  commocao  intestina. 
(Art.  34,  No.  21.) 

Paragrapho  1°.  Nao  se  achando 
reunido  o  Congresso,  e  correndo 
a  Patria  imminente  perigo,  exer- 
cera  essa  attribuicao  o  Poder 
Executivo  Federal.  (Art.  48,  No. 
15.) 

Paragrapho  2°.  Este,  porem, 
durante  o  estado  de  sitio,  restrin- 
gir-se-ha,  nas  medidas  de  repres- 
sao  contra  as  pessoas,  a  impor: 

1°.  A  detencao  em  logar  nao 
destinado  aos  reos  de  crimes  com- 
muns. 

2°.  O  desterro  para  outros  sitios 
do  territorio  nacional. 

Paragrapho  3°.  Logo  que  se 
reunir  o  Congresso,  o  Presidente 
da  Republica  lhe  relatara,  motivan- 
do-as,  as  medidas  de  excepcao  que 
houverem  sido  tomadas. 

Paragrapho  4°.  As  auctoridades 
que  tennam  ordenado  taes  medidas 
sao  responsaveis  pelos  abusos  com- 
mettidos. 

Art.  81.  Os  processos  findos, 
em  materia  crime,  poderao  ser  re- 
vistos,  a  qualquer  tempo,  em  bene- 
ficio  dos  condemnados,  pelo  Supre- 
mo Tribunal  Federal,  para  refor- 
mar  ou  confirmar  a  sentenca. 

Paragrapho  1°.  A  lei  marcara  os 
casos  e  a  forma  da  revisao,  que  po- 
dera  ser  requerida   pelo  senten- 


TITLE  V. 

GENERAL  PROVISIONS. 

Art.  79.  The  citizen  vested 
with  functions  belonging  to  one  of 
the  three  federal  powers  shall  not 
exercise  those  belonging  to  the 
other  two. 

Art.  80.  Any  part  of  the  terri- 
tory of  the  Union  may  be  declared 
in  state  of  siege  and  the  constitu- 
tional guarantees  suspended  in  it 
for  a  hxed  period,  whenever  the 
security  of  the  Republic  may  de- 
mand it,  in  case  of  foreign  aggres- 
sion or  internal  disturbance.  (Art. 
34,  No.  21.) 

Paragraph  1.  If  Congress  is  not 
in  session  and  the  country  is  in 
imminent  danger,  the  Executive 
Power  shall  be  authorized  to  make 
this  declaration.  (Art.  48,  No. 
15.) 

Paragraph  2.  In  the  exercise  of 
this  power  during  a  state  of  siege 
the  Executive  shall  be  restricted 
to  the  following  measures  of  re- 
pression against  persons: 

1.  To  their  detention  in  a  place 
not  destined  for  persons  accused  of 
common  crimes. 

2.  To  banishment  to  some  other 
part  of  the  national  territory. 

Paragraph  3.  As  soon  as  the 
Congress  assembles,  the  President 
of  the  Republic  shall  report  to  that 
body  all  the  exceptional  measures 
which  he  ma}T  have  taken,  and  give 
his  reasons  for  the  same. 

Paragraph  4.  The  authorities  by 
whom  said  measures  were  taken, 
shall  be  responsible  for  any  abuses 
which  may  have  been  committed 
in  connection  with  them. 

Art.  81.  Terminated  criminal 
cases  may  be  reviewed  at  any  time, 
if  to  the  benefit  of  the  condemned 
parties,  by  the  Federal  Supreme 
Court,  which  shall  amend  or  affirm 
the  sentence. 

Paragraph  1.  The  law  shall  de- 
termine the  manner  and  form  of 
the  revision,  which  may  be  asked 


CONSTITUTION. 


165 


ciado,  por  qualquer  do  povo,  ou 
ex  officio  pelo  Procurador  Geral 
de  Republical 

Paragrapho  2°.  Na  revisao  nao 
podem  ser  aggravadas  as  penas  da 
sentenca  revista. 

Paragrapho  3°.  As  disposicoes 
do  presente  artigo  sao  extensivas 
aos  processos  militares. 

Art.  82.  Os  funccionarios  pu- 
blicos  sao  estrictamente  respon- 
saveis  pelos  abusos  e  omisssoes  em 
que  incorrerem  no  exercicio  de 
seus  cargos,  assim  como  pela  indul- 
gencia,  on  negligencia  em  nao 
responsabilisarem  effectivamente 
os  seus  subalternos. 

Paragrapho  unico.  O  funccio- 
nario  publico  obrigar-se-ha  por 
compromisso  formal,  no  acto  da 
posse,  ao  desempenho  dos  seus 
deveres  legaes. 

Art.  83.  Continuam  em  vigor, 
emquanto  nao  revogadas,  as  leis 
do  antigo  regimen,  no  que  expli- 
cita  ou  implicitamente  nao  for  con- 
trario  ao  systema  do  Governo  fir- 
mado  pela  Constituiyao  e  aos  prin- 
cipios  nella  consagrados. 

Art.  84.  O  Governo  da  Uniao 
afianca  o  pagamento  da  divida 
publica  interna  e  externa. 

Art.  85.  Os  officiaes  do  quadro 
e  das  classes  annexas  da  Armada 
terao  as  mesmas  patentes  e  van- 
tagens  que  os  do  Exercito  nos  car- 
gos de  categoria  correspondente. 

Art.  86.  Todo  o  brazileiro  e 
obrigado  ao  servico  militar,  em 
def esa  da  patria  e  da  Constituicao, 
na  forma  das  leis  federaes.  • 

Art.  87.  O  Exercito  Federal 
compor-se-ha  de  contingentes  que 
os  Estados  e  o  Districto  Federal 
sao  obrigados  a  fornecer,  consti- 
tuidos  de  conformidade  com  a  lei 
annual  de  fixacao  de  f  orcas. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Uma  lei  federal 
determinara  a  organizacao  geral  do 


for,  either  by  the  condemned  party, 
by  any  one  of  the  people,  or  by  the 
Attorney-General  of  the  Republic 
on  his  own  motion. 

Paragraph  2.  In  such  revisions, 
the  penalties  imposed  by  the  re- 
viewed sentences  shall  not  be  in- 
creased. 

Paragraph  3.  The  provisions  of 
the  present  article  shall  also  apply 
to  military  trials. 

Art.  82.  Public  officers  shall  be 
strictly  responsible  for  the  abuses 
and  omissions  incurred  by  them  in 
the  exercise  of  their  functions, 
as  well  as  for  their  failure  to 
exact  from  their  subordinates  the 
proper  responsibility  for  their  acts. 

Sole  paragraph.  Public  officers 
shall  bind  themselves,  formally,  on 
taking  possession  of  their  offices, 
to  faithfully  discharge  the  lawful 
duties  of  the  same. 

Art.  83.  Until  revoked,  the  laws 
of  the  former  regime  shall  remain 
in  force,  except  in  case  they  are 
explicitly  or  implicitly,  contrary 
to  the  system  of  government  es- 
tablished by  the  Constitution,  and 
to  the  principles  proclaimed  by  its 
provisions. 

Art.  84.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment guarantees  the  payment  of 
the  public  debt,  whether  domestic 
or  foreign. 

Art.  85.  The  staff  and  line  offi- 
cers of  the  Navy  shall  have  the 
same  rank  and  advantages  as  the 
officers  of  the  Army  of  correspond- 
ing category. 

Art.  86.  Every  Brazilian  is 
bound  to  do  military  service  in  de- 
fense of  the  country  and  the  Con- 
stitution, as  provided  by  the  Fed- 
eral laws. 

Art.  87.  The  Federal  Army  shall 
be  made  up  of  contingents,  which 
the  States  and  the  Federal  District 
are  bound  to  furnish,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  law  which  shall  be  an- 
nually enacted  fixing  the  strength 
of  the  public  force. 

Paragraph  1 .  A  Federal  law  shall 
determine  the  general  organization 


166 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


Exercito,  de  accordo  com  o  No.  18 
do  artigo  34. 

Paragrapho  2°.  A  Uniao  se  en- 
carregara  da  instruccilo  militar  dos 
corpos  e  armas  e  da  instruccao 
militar  superior. 

Paragrapho  3°.  Fica  abolido  o 
recrutamento  militar  forcado. 

Paragrapho  4°.  O  Exercito  e  a 
Armada  compor-se-hao  pelo  volun- 
tariado,  sem  premio,  e  em  falta 
deste  pelo  sorteio,  previamente 
organisado. 


Concorrem  para  o  pessoal  da 
Armada  a  Escola  Naval,  as  de 
Aprendizes  Marinheiros  e  a  ma- 
rinha  mercante,  mediante  sorteio. 

Art.  88.  Os  Estados  Unidos  do 
Brazil,  em  caso  algum,  se  empe- 
nharao  em  guerra  de  conquista, 
directa  ou  indirectamente,  por  si 
ou  em  allianca  com  outra  nayao. 

Art.  89.  £  instituido  um  Tri- 
bunal de  Contas  para  liquidar  as 
contas  da  receita  e  despeza  e  veri- 
iicar  a  sua  legalidade,  antes  de  se- 
rem  prestadas  ao  Congresso. 

Os  membros  deste  tribunal  serao 
nomeados  pelo  Presidente  da  Re- 
publica  com  approvacao  do  Senado 
e  somente  perderao  os  seus  lugares 
por  sentenca. 

Art.  90.  A  Constituicao  podera 
ser  reformada,  por  iniciativa  do 
Congresso  Nacional,  ou  das  Assem- 
bleas  dos  Estados. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Considerar-se-ha 
proposta  a  reforma,  quando,  sendo 
apresentada  por  uma  quarta  parte, 
pelo  menos,  dos  membros  de  qual- 
quer  das  Camaras  do  Congresso 
Nacional,  for  acceita  em  tres  dis- 
cussOes,  por  dous  tercos  de  votos, 
numa  e  noutra  Camara,  ou  quando 
for  solicitada  por  dois  teryos  dos 
Estados,  no  decurso  de  um  anno, 
representado  cada  Estado  pela 
maioria  de  votos  de  sua  Assemblea. 


of  the  Army,  in  accordance  with 
No.  18  of  article  34. 

Paragraph  2.  The  military  in- 
struction of  the  various  branches 
of  the  Army  service  and  the  high 
military  education  shall  be  in 
charge  of  the  Union. 

Paragraph  3.  Compulsory  re- 
cruiting for  military  service  is 
abolished. 

Paragraph  4.  The  Army  and 
Navy  shall  consist  of  volunteers, 
enlisted  without  bounty,  and  in 
case  that  this  method  of  enlistment 
fails,  draftings  shall  be  made  ac- 
cording to  a  plan  previously  ar- 
ranged. 

The  personnel  of  the  Navy  shall 
be  made  up  by  lot  out  of  pupils  of 
the  Naval  School,  the  schools  of 
midshipmen,  and  members  of  the 
merchant  marine. 

Art.  88.  The  United  States  of 
Brazil  shall  in  no  case  engage  in  a 
war  of  conquest,  directly  or  indi- 
rectly, by  itself  or  in  alliance  with 
another  nation. 

Art.  89.  A  Tribunal  of  Accounts 
shall  be  established  for  the  pur- 
pose of  auditing  all  the  accounts 
of  receipts  and  expenditures  before 
they  are  presented  to  Congress. 

The  members  of  this  Tribunal 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic  with  the  ap- 
proval of  the  Senate,  and  shall 
lose  their  places  only  by  judicial 
sentence. 

Art.  90.  The  Constitution  may 
be  amended  at  the  initiative  of  the 
National  Congress,  or  of  the  Legis- 
latures of  the  States. 

Paragraph  1.  An  amendment 
shall  be  considered  as  proposed, 
when  introduced  by  one-fourth,  at 
least,  of  the  members  of  either 
house  of  the  Congress,  and  ac- 
cepted, after  three  readings,  by 
two-thirds  of  the  votes  in  both 
houses  of  the  Congress,  or,  when 
suggested  by  two-thirds  of  the 
States,  each  one  of  the  latter  being 
represented  by  a  majority  of  the 
votes  of  its  Legislature,  said  votes 

be  taken  in  thecourse  of  one  year. 


CONSTITUTION. 


167 


Paragrapho  2°.  Essa  proposta 
dar-se-ha  por  approvada,  si  no 
anno  seguinte  o  for,  mediante 
tres  discussSes,  por  maioria  de 
dous  tercos  dos  votos  nas  duas 
Camaras  do  Congresso. 

Paragrapho  3°.  A  proposta  ap- 
provada publicar-se-ha  com  as 
assignaturas  dos  presidentes  e 
secretarios  das  duas  Camaras,  e 
incorporar-se-ha  a  Constituicao, 
como  parte  integrante  della. 

Paragrapho  4.  Nao  poderao  ser 
admittidos  como  objecto  de  delibe- 
racao,  no  Congresso,  projectos 
tendentes  a  abolir  a  forma  repu- 
blicana-federativa  ou  a  igualdade 
da  representacao  dos  Estados  no 
Senado. 

Art.  91.  Approvada  esta  Cons- 
tituicao, sera  ella  promulgada  pela 
mesa  do  Congresso  e  assignada 
pelos  membros  deste. 


Paragraph  2.  The  proposed 
amendment  shall  be  considered 
approved,  if,  in  the  following 
year,  after  three  discussions,  it  is 
adopted  by  a  majority  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  votes  in  the  two 
houses  of  Congress. 

Paragraph  3.  The  amendment 
adopted  shall  be  published  with 
the  signatures  of  the  presidents 
and  secretaries  of  the  two  Cham- 
bers, and  inserted  in  the  Consti- 
tution as  a  part  of  the  same. 

Paragraph  4.  No  project  hav- 
ing a  tendency  to  abolish  the  fed- 
erative republican  form,  or  the 
equal  representation  of  the  States 
in  the  Senate,  shall  be  admitted  for 
consideration  in  the  Congress. 

Art.  91.  As  soon  as  this  Con- 
stitution is  approved,  it  shall  be 
promulgated  by  the  presiding  offi- 
cers of  the  Congress  and  signed 
by  the  members  of  the  same. 


DISPOSigOES  TRANSITORIAS. 

Artigo  1.  Promulgada  esta 
Constituicao,  o  Congresso,  reuni- 
do  em  Assemblea  Geral,  elegera 
em  seguida,  por  maioria  absoluta 
de  votos  na  primeira  votacao,  e, 
si  nenhum  candidato  a  obtiver,  por 
maioria  relativa  na  segunda,  o 
Presidente  e  o  Vice-Presidente  dos 
Estados  Unidos  do  Brazil. 

Paragrapho  1°.  Essa  eleicao  sera 
feita  em  dous  escrutinios  distinc- 
tos  para  o  Presidente  e  o  Vice- 
Presidente  respectivamente,  rece- 
bendo-se  e  apurando-se  em  pri- 
meiro  lugar  as  cedulas  para  Presi- 
dente e  procedendo-  se  em  seguida 
do  mesmo  modo  para  o  Vice- 
Presidente. 

Paragrapho  2°.  O  Presidente  e 
o  Vice-Presidente,  eleitos  na  forma 
deste  artigo,  occuparao  a  Presi- 
dencia  e  a  Vice-Presidencia  da 
Republica  durante  o  primeiro  pe- 
riodo  presidencial. 

Paragrapho  3°.  Para  essa  eleicao 
nao  havera  incompatibilidades. 


TEMPORARY  PROVISIONS. 

Article  1.  Upon  the  promul- 
gation of  the  present  Constitution, 
the  Congress,  assembled  in  joint 
session,  shall  choose  at  once,  by 
absolute  majorit}^  in  the  first  bal- 
loting, and,  if  such  be  not  obtained, 
by  a  relative  majority  in  the 
second,  the  President  and  Vice- 
President  of  the  United  States  of 
Brazil, 

Paragraph  1.  This  election  shall 
be  made  through  two  different 
votes,  one  for  the  President  and  an- 
other for  the  Vice-President.  The 
votes  for  the  President  shall  be 
taken  and  counted  first,  and  then 
the  votes  for  Vice-President  shall 
be  taken  and  counted. 

Paragraph  2.  The  President  and 
Vice-President,  thus  elected,  shall 
fill  the  Presidency  and  Vice-Presi- 
dency of  the  Republic  during  the 
first  presidential  term. 

Paragraph  3.  There  shall  be  no 
incompatibilities  in  this  election. 


168 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


Paragrapho  4°.  Concluida  ella, 
o  Congresso  dara  por  terminada 
a  sua  missao  constituinte,  e,  sepa- 
rando-se  em  Camara  e  Senado, 
encetera  o  exercicio  de  suas  f  unc- 
cOes  normaes  a  quinze  de  Junho 
do  corrente  anno,  nao  podendo  em 
hypothese  alguma  ser  dissolvido. 


Paragrapho  5°.  No  primeiro 
anno  da  primeira  legislatura,  logo 
nos  trabalhos  preparatories,  dis- 
criminara  o  Senaao  o  primeiro  e 
segundo  terco  de  seus  membros, 
cu]o  mandato  ha  de  cessar  no 
termo  do  primeiro  e  do  segundo 
triennios. 

Paragrapho  6°.  Essa  discrimi- 
nacaoeffectuar-se-ha  em  tres  listas, 
correspondentes  aos  tres  tercos, 
graduando-se  os  Senadores  de  cada 
Estado  e  os  do  Districto  Federal 
pela  ordem  de  sua  votaeao  respec- 
tiva,  de  modo  que  se  distribua  ao 
terco  do  ultimo  triennio  o  primeiro 
votado  do  Districto  Federal  e  em 
cada  um  dos  Estados,  e  aos  dous 
tercos  seguintes  os  outros  dous 
nomes  na  escala  dos  suffragios 
obtidos. 


Paragrapho  7°.  Em  caso  de  em- 
pate,  considerar-se-hao  f  avorecidos 
os  mais  velhos,  decidindo-se  por 
sorteios  quando  a  idade  for  igual. 

Art.  2.  O  Estado  que  ate  o  fim 
do  anno  de  mil  oitocentos  noventa 
e  dous  nao  houver  decretado  a  sua 
constituicao,  sera  submettido,  por 
acto  do  Congresso,  a  de  um  dos 
outros,  que  mais  conveniente  a 
essa  adaptacao  parecer,  ate  que  o 
Estado  sujeito  a  esse  regimen  a 
ref  orme  pelo  processo  nelta  deter- 
minado. 


Art.  3.  A  proporcao  que  os 
Estados  se  forem  organisando,  o 
Governo  Federal  entregar-lhes-ha 
a  administracao  dos  servicos  que 
pela  Constituicao  lhes  competirem, 
e  liquidara  a  responsabihdade  da 


Paragraph  4.  As  soon  as  said 
election  is  made,  the  Congress 
shall  declare  its  mission  in  joint 
session  as  a  convention,  to  be  ended, 
and,  separating  itself  into  Chamber 
and  Senate,  shall  enter  upon  the 
exercise  of  its  normal  functions  on 
June  fifteenth  of  the  current  year, 
and  it  shall  not  for  any  reason  be 
dissolved. 

Paragraph  5.  In  the  first  year 
of  the  first  session,  the  Senate 
shall  designate  preliminarily  the 
first  and  second  thirds  of  its  mem- 
bers, whose  term  shall  cease  at 
the  end  of  the  first  and  second 
triennium. 

Paragraph  6.  This  designation 
shall  be  made  in  three  lists,  cor- 
responding to  the  three  thirds  of 
the  Senate,  whereon  the  names  of 
the  Senators  of  each  State  and  of 
the  Federal  District  shall  be  in- 
scribed, according  to  the  respective 
number  of  votes  obtained  by  them, 
so  that  the  one  first  in  the  voting 
in  the  Federal  District  and  in  each 
State  shall  be  placed  in  the  list  for 
the  last  triennium  and  the  others 
in  the  lists  of  the  other  triennia, 
according  to  the  relative  number 
of  votes  obtained  by  them. 

Paragraph  7.  In  case  of  tie 
preference  shall  be  given  to  the 
elder,  and  if  the  ages  be  equal 
the  choice  shall  be  made  b}r  lot. 

Art.  2.  The  State  which,  at  the 
end  of  the  year  eighteen  hundred 
and  ninety-two,  has  not,  as  yet, 
adopted  a  constitution  for  itself, 
shall  be,  by  act  of  Congress,  sub- 
jected to  that  one  of  another  State, 
which  may  be  deemed  most  suit- 
able, but  the  State  thus  subjected 
to  the  constitution  of  another 
State  shall  have  the  right  to 
amend  that  instrument  in  the 
manner  provided  in  the  same. 

Art.  3.  As  fast  as  the  States 
shall  be  organized,  the  Federal 
Government  shall  deliver  to  them 
the  administration  of  the  services 
which  belong  to  them  under  the 
Constitution,  and  shall  settle  the 


CONSTITUTION. 


169 


administracao  federal  no  tocante 
a  esses  servicos  e  ao  pagamento  do 
pessoal  respectivo 

Art.  4.  Emquanto  os  Estados 
se  occuparem  em  regularisar  as 
despezas,  durante  o  periodo  de 
organizacao  dos  seus  servicos,  o 
Governo  Federal  abrir-lhes-ha 
para  esse  fim  creditos  especiaes, 
segundo  as  condicOes  estabelecidas 
por  lei. 

Art.  5.  Nos  Estados  que  se 
forem  organisando,  entrara  em 
vigor  a  classificacao  das  rendas  es- 
tabelecida  na  Constituiyao. 

Art.  6.  Nas  primeiras  nomea- 
cSes  para  a  magistratura  federal  e 
para  a  dos  Estados  serao  pref  eridos 
os  juizes  de  direitoe  os  desembar- 
gadores  de  mais  nota. 


Os  que  nao  forem  admittidos  na 
nova  organizacao  judiciaria,  e  ti- 
verem  mais  de  trinta  annos  de 
exercicio,  serao  aposentados  com 
todos  os  seus  vencimentos. 

Os  que  tiverem  menos  de  trinta 
annos  de  exercicio  continuarao  a 
perceber  seus  ordenados,  ate  que 
sejam  aproveitados  ou  aposentados 
com  ordenado  correspondente  ao 
tempo  de  exercicio. 

As  despezas  com  os  magistrados 
aposentados  ou  postos  em  disponi- 
bilidade  serao  pagas  pelo  Governo 
Federal. 

Art.  7.  E  concedida  a  D.  Pedro 
de  Alcantara,  ex-Imperador  do 
Brazil,  uma  pensao  que,  a  contar 
de  15  de  Novembro  de  1889,  ga- 
ranta-lhe,  por  todo  o  tempo  de  sua 
vida,  subsistencia  decente.  O  Con- 
gresso  ordinario,  em  sua  primeira 
reuniao,  fixara  o  quantum  d'esta 
pensao.  . 

Art.  8.  O  Governo  Federal 
adquirira  para  a  Nacao  a  casa  em 
que  f  alleceu  o  Dr.  Benjamim  Con- 
stant Botelho  de  Magalhaes  e 
n'ella  mandara  collocar  uma  lapide 


responsibility  of  the  Federal  ad- 
ministration in  all  that  relates  to 
said  services  and  to  the  payment 
of  the  respective  officials. 

Art.  4.  Until  the  States  succeed 
in  regulating  their  expenses  and 
during  the  whole  period  of  organi- 
zation of  their  services,  the  Federal 
Government  shall  grant  them,  for 
this  purpose,  special  credits  to  be 
used  in  the  manner  and  under  the 
conditions  determined  by  law. 

Art.  5.  As  soon  as  the  States 
are  organized,  the  classification 
of  the  revenues  established  in  the 
Constitution  shall  enter  into  force. 

Art.  6.  In  the  first  appointments 
of  Federal  and  State  judges,  pref- 
erence shall  be  given  to  the  pres- 
ent members  of  the  law  courts, 
and  to  those  judicial  officers  called 
desembarg adores,  who  may  enjoy 
the  greatest  reputation. 

Judges  who  have  served  for  over 
thirty  years  and  cannot  have 
positions  in  the  new  judicial  or- 
ganization shall  be  retired  on  full 
pay. 

Those  who  have  served  for 
less  than  thirty  years  shall  con- 
tinue to  receive  their  present  sala- 
ries until  the}'  are  employed  or 
retired  with  salaries  correspond- 
ing to  their  time  of  service. 

The  expenses  to  be  incurred  in 
paying  the  salaries  of  the  judges 
placed  on  the  retired  or  reserve 
lists  shall  be  paid  by  the  Federal 
Government. 

Art.  7.  On  and  after  Novem- 
ber 15,  1889,  a  pension  shall  be 
paid  to  D.  Pedro  de  Alcantara, 
ex-Emperor  of  Brazil,  which  shall 
guarantee  him  a  suitable  main- 
tenance for  the  remainder  of  his 
life.  Congress  in  its  first  regular 
session  shall  fix  the  amount  of  this 
pension. 

Art.  8.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment shall  acquire  for  the  Nation 
the  house  in  which  Benjamin  Con- 
stant   BOTELHO    DE    MAGALHAES 

died,  and  shall  order  a  tablet  to  be 


170 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 


em  horaenagem  a  memoria  do 
grande  patriota,  o  Fundador  da 
Republica. 

raragrapho  unico.  A  viuva  do 
mesmo  Dr.  Benjamim  Constant 
tera,  emquanto  viver,  o  usof ructo 
da  casa  mencionada. 

Mandamos,  portanto,  a  todas  as 
auctoridades  a  quem  o  conheci- 
mento  e  execucao  d'esta  Consti- 
tuicao  pertencerem,  que  a  execu- 
tem  e  facam  executar  e  observar 
fiel  e  inteiramente  como  n'ella  se 
contem. 

Publique-se  e  cumpra-seem  todo 
o  territorio  da  Nacao. 

Sala  das  sessOes  do  Congresso 
Nacional  Constituinte  na  cidade  do 
Rio  de  Janeiro,  em  vinte  e  quatro 
de  Fevereiro  de  mil  oitocentos  e 
noventa  e  um,  terceiro  da  Repu- 
blica. 


placed  upon  the  same  in  memory 
of  that  great  patriot,  the  founder 
of  the  Republic. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  widow  of 
said  Benjamin  Constant  shall 
enjoy  the  use  of  said  house  during 
her  life. 

We  do  therefore  order  all  the 
authorities  to  whom  the  recogni- 
tion and  execution  of  this  Consti- 
tution belongs  to  execute  and  cause 
others  to  execute  and  faithfully 
observe  its  provisions. 

Let  the  same  be  published  and 
complied  with  throughout  the 
Nation. 

Hall  of  Sessions  of  the  Con- 
stitutional Congress,  in  the  city  of 
Rio  de  Janeiro,  on  the  twenty- 
fourth  day  of  February  in  the  year 
eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-one, 
the  third  of  the  Republic. 


CONSTITUCION. 


Nosotros,  los  representantes  del  pueblo  brasileno,  reunidos  en  con- 
vencion  constitucional  con  el  fin  de  organizar  un  Gobierno  libre  y 
democratico,  por  la  p'resente  establecemos,  decretamos  y  promulgamos 
la  siguiente  Constitucion  para  la  Republica  de  los  Estados  Unidos  del 
Brasil. 

TfTULO  I. 

ORGANIZACION  FEDERAL. 

DISPOSICIONES   PRELIMINARES. 

ArtIculo  1.  La  nacion  brasilena  adopta  para  su  Gobierno  la  forma 
representativa  republican  a  federal,  tal  como  se  proclamo  el  quince  de 
Noviembre  de  mil  ochocientos  ochenta  y  nueve,  y  se  constitute  asi, 
por  la  union  perpetua  e  indisoluble  de  sus  antiguas  provincias,  bajo  el 
nombre  de  Los  Estados  Unidos  del  Brasil. 

Art.  2.  Cada  una  de  las  antiguas  provincias  constituira  un  Estado, 
y  el  antiguo  distrito  municipal  neutral  constituira  el  Distrito  Federal, 
y  continuara  siendo  la  capital  de  la  Union  hasta  que  se  pongan  en 
efecto  las  disposiciones  del  siguiente  articulo. 

Art.  3.  A  la  Union  pertenecera  una  zona  de  catorce  mil  cuatro- 
cientos  kilometros  cuadrados,  situada  en  la  meseta  central  de  la  Repu- 
blica, que  se  demarcara  oportunamente,  y  en  este  sitio  se  establecera  la 
futura  capital  federal. 

Parrafo  unico.  Efectuada  la  mudanza  de  la  capital,  el  actual  Distrito 
Federal  pasara  a  constituir  un  Estado. 

Art.  4.  Los  Estados  podran  incorporate  entre  si,  subdividirse  6 
desmembrarse  para  anexarse  a  otros  6  formar  nuevos  Estados,  con  la 
aquiescencia  de  las  respectivas  Asambleas  Legislativas  locales,  en  dos 
sesiones  anuales  sucesivas,  y  con  la  aprobacion  del  Congreso  Nacional. 

Art.  5.  Incumbe  a  cada  Estado  proveer,  a  sus  expensas,  a  las 
necesidades  de  su  propio  gobierno  y  administracion.  Sin  embargo,  la 
Union  podra  prestar  auxilio  a  un  Estado  que  lo  solicite  en  caso  de  una 
calamidad  publica. 

Art.  6.  El  Gobierno  Federal  no  podra  intervenir  en  los  asuntos 
que  pertenecen  especialmente  a  los  Estados,  salvo  en  los  casos 
siguientes: 

1.  Para  repeler  una  invasion  extranjera  6  la  invasion  de  un  Estado 
por  otro. 

2.  Para  mantener  la  forma  de  gobierno  republicano  federal. 

3.  Para  restablecer  el  orden  y  la  tranquilidad  en  los  Estados  a  peti- 
cion  de  los  gobiernos  locales. 

4.  Para  obtener  la  ejecucion  de  las  leyes  y  decretos  federales. 

171 


172  THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BKAZIL. 

Art.  7.  Es  corapetencia  exclusiva  de  la  Union  decretar: 

1.  Los  derechos  sobre  importaciones  de  procedencia  extranjera. 

2.  Los  derechos  de  entrada,  salida  y  permanencia  de  buques;  que- 
dando  libre  de  derechos,  asi  el  comercio  de  cabotaje  de  articulos  nacio- 
nales,  como  el  de  mercancias  extranjeras  que  ya  hayan  pagado  un 
derecho  de  importacion. 

3.  Los  derechos  del  timbre,  salvo  la  restriccion  mencionada  en  el 
articulo  9,  parrafo  1,  No.  1. 

4.  Las  contribuciones  postales  y  de  telegrafos  federales. 
Parrafo  1.  Tambien  compete  privativamente  a  la  Union: 

1.  La  institucion  de  bancos  de  emision. 

2.  La  creacion  y  mantenimiento  de  aduanas. 

Parrafo  2.  Los  derechos  decretados  por  la  Union  deberan  ser  uni- 
formes  para  todos  los  Estados. 

Parrafo  3.  Los  funcionarios  federales  ejecutaran  las  leyes,  actos  y 
decretos  de  las  autoridades  de  la  Union  en  todo  el  pais.  Sin  embargo, 
la  ejecucion  de  las  primeras  puede  confiarse  a  los  gobiernos  de  los 
Estados,  con  la  anuencia  de  aque"llas. 

Art.  8.  Se  prohibe  al  Gobierno  Federal  establecer  distinciones  y 
preferencias  a  favor  de  los  puertos  de  algunos  de  los  Estados  contra 
los  de  otros. 

Art.  9.  Es  incumbencia  exclusiva  de  los  Estados  decretar  impuestos: 

1.  Sobre  la  exportacion  de  mercancias  producidas  en  sus  propios 
Estados. 

2.  Sobre  las  fincas  rusticas  y  urbanas. 

3.  Sobre  el  traspaso  de  propiedades. 

4.  Sobre  las  industrias  y  profesiones. 

Parrafo  1.  Tambien  compete  exclusivamente  a  los  Estados  decretar: 

1.  La  contribucion  del  timbre  en  cuanto  a  los  actos  que  emanen  de 
sus  respectivos  gobiernos  y  de  sus  asuntos  internos. 

2.  Las  contribuciones  relativas  a  su  servicio  postal  y  de  telegrafos. 
Parrafo  2.  Los  productos  de  los  otros  Estados  estan  exentos  de  im- 
puestos en  el  Estado  del  cual  se  exportan. 

Parrafo  3.  Sera  licito  para  un  Estado  imponer  derechos  sobre  las 
importaciones  de  mercancias  extranjeras  linicamente  cuando  se  desti- 
nen  al  consumo  en  su  propio  territorio;  y  en  tal  caso,  ingresara  6 
entregara  en  el  Tesoro  Federal  el  monto  de  los  derechos  cobrados. 

Parrafo  4.  Los  Estados  tienen  el  derecho  de  establecer  lineas  tele- 
graficas  entre  diferentes  puntos  de  sus  propios  territorios,  y  entre 
estos  puntos  y  los  de  otros  Estados  que  no  tengan  un  servicio  telegra- 
fico  federal,  pudiendo  la  Union  apropiarselos  siempre  que  sea  en  bien 
de  los  intereses  generales. 

Art.  10.  A  los  Estados  se  les  prohibe  imponer  contribuciones  sobre 
las  propiedades  6  rentas  federales  6  sobre  los  servicios  que  esten  a  cargo 
de  la  Union,  y  vice  versa. 

Art.  11.  A  los  Estados,  asi  como  a  la  Union,  se  les  prohibe: 

1.  Imponer  derechos  sobre  los  productos  de  otros  Estados  6  de  paises 
extranjeros,  declarados  de  transito  por  el  territorio  de  cualquier  Estado 
6  de  un  Estado  a  otro,  asi  como  sobre  los  vehiculos,  ya  sea  por  tierra  6 
por  mar,  mediante  los  cuales  se  conducen  dichos  productos. 

2.  Establecer,  subvencionar  6  estorbar  el  ejercicio  de  los  cultos 
religiosos. 

3.  Dictar  leyes  ex  post  facto  6  retroactivas. 


C0NST1TUCI0N.  173 

Art.  12.  Ademas  de  las  fuentes  de  renta  mencionadas  en  los  arti- 
culos  7  y  8,  sera  licito,  asi  a  la  Union  como  a  los  Estados,  crear,  de 
mancomun  6  no,  cualesquiera  otras  rentas  que  no  sean  incompatibles 
con  lo  dispuesto  en  los  articulos  7,  9  y  11,  No.  1. 

Art.  13.  El  derecho  de  la  Union  y  de  los  Estados  para  legislar 
acerca  de  los  ferrocarriles  y  la  navegacion  interior  se  regira  por  la  Ley 
federal. 

Parrafo  unico.  La  navegacion  de  cabotaje  se  hara  con  buques  nacio- 
nales. 

Art.  14.  Las  fuerzas  de  mar  y  tierra  son  instituciones  nacionales 
permanentes  que  se  destinan  a  defender  la  nacion  contra  todo  ataque  6 
invasion  extranjera  y  al  mantenimiento  de  las  leyes  del  pais.  Dentro 
de  los  limites  de  la  ley,  a  dichas  fuerzas,  por  virtud  de  su  indole,  se  les 
exigira  la  obediencia  de  los  subalternos  a  sus  jefes,  estando  obligadas  a 
apoyar  todas  las  instituciones  constitucionales. 

Art.  15.  Los  poderes  legislativo,  ejecutivo  y  judicial,  son  organos 
de  la  soberania  nacional  armonicos  e  independientes  entre  si. 

secci6n  i. 

El  Poder  Legislativo. 

Capitulo  I. 

Diiposiciones  generates. 

Art.  16.  El  Poder  Legislativo  lo  ejerce  el  Congreso  nacional,  con  la 
sancion  del  Presidente  de  la  Repfiblica. 

Parrafo  1.  El  Congreso  Nacional  se  compone  de  dos  ramas:  La 
Camara  de  Diputados  y  el  Senado. 

Parrafo  2.  La  eleccion  de  Senadores  y  de  Diputados  se  celebrara 
simultaneamente  en  todo  el  pais. 

Parrafo  3.  Nadie  podra  ser  Senador  y  Diputado  al  mismo  tiempo. 

Art.  17.  El  Congreso  se  reunira  en  la  capital  federal,  el  dia  tres 
de  Mayo  de  cada  ano,  sin  ser  convocado,  si  la  le3r  no  designase  otro 
dia,  y  continuara  en  sesion  durante  cuatro  meses,  a  contar  de  la  fecha 
de  su  apertura,  pudiendo  prorrogarse,  suspender  su  sesion,  6  convocarse 
para  una  sesion  extraordinaria. 

Parrafo  1.  Solo  al  Congreso  compete  deliberar  sobre  la  prorroga  y 
suspension  de  sus  sesiones. 

Parrafo  2.  Cada  legislatura  durara  tres  anos. 

Parrafo  3.  Cuando  ocurriese  una  vacante  en  el  Congreso  a,  causa  de 
renuncia  6  por  cualquier  otro  motivo,  el  Estado  correspondiente  orde- 
nara  inmediatamente  la  eleccion  de  un  nuevo  miembro. 

Art.  18.  La  Camara  de  Diputados  y  el  Senado  se  reuniran  sepa- 
radamente,  y  las  sesiones  seran  publicas,  a  menos  que  se  resolviere  lo 
contrario  por  una  mayoria  de  votos.  Se  exigira  una  mayoria  de  votos 
para  aprobar  cualquiera  medida  en  cada  Camara,  con  tal  que  haya  un 
quorum  que  debera  consistir  de  una  mayoria  absoluta  de  sus  miembros. 

Parrafo  unico.  A  cada  Camara  incumbe: 

Comprobar  y  confirmar  los  poderes  de  sus  miembros. 

Elegir  sus  funcionarios. 

Dictar  su  Keglamento  interior. 

Regular  su  servicio  de  policia  interior. 

Nombrar  los  empleados  de  su  Secretaria, 


174  THE   UNITED   STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 

Art.  19.  A  los  Diputados  y  Senadores  no  se  les  podra  hacer  respon- 
sables  de  sus  opiniones,  asertos  y  votos  en  el  cumplimiento  de  su 
mision. 

Art.  20.  Los  Diputados  y  Senadores,  a  contar  de  la  fecha  en  que 
reciban  sus  credenciales  couio  tales,  hasta  la  nueva  eleecion,  no  pod  ran 
ser  presos  ni  procesados  criminalmente,  sin  previo  permiso  de  la 
Camara  respectiva,  salvo  en  el  caso  de  ser  sorprendidos  in  fraganti, 
cuando  se  trate  de  un  delito  que  no  admita  fianza.  En  este  ultimo  caso, 
el  tribunal  debera  practical'  todas  las  diligencias  necesarias,  y  remitir 
las  actuaciones  a  la  Camara  respectiva,  a  fin  de  que  e"sta  decida  si  pro- 
cede  6  no  la  acusacion,  a  menos  que  el  acusado  opte  por  que  se  le 
juzgue  inmediatamente. 

Art.  21.  Los  miembros  de  ambas  Camaras,  al  tomar  posesion  de  sus 
puestos,  prestaran  el  debido  y  formal  juramento  en  sesion  publica,  de 
que  cumpliran  fielmente  sus  deberes. 

Art.  22.  Durante  las  sesiones  los  Senadores  y  Diputados  tendran 
derecho  a  percibir  un  sueldo  y  emolumentos,  que  ha  de  fijar  el  Con- 
greso  al  fin  de  cada  legislatura  para  la  siguiente. 

Art.  23.  Ningun  miembro  del  Congreso  podra,  desde  el  dia  de  su 
eleecion,  celebrar  contratos  con  el  Poder  Ejecutivo,  ni  recibir  de  el 
ningun  empleo  6  encargo  remunerado. 

Exceptuanse  de  esta  prohibition: 

1.  Las  misiones  diplomaticas. 

2.  Las  comisiones  en  el  servicio  militar. 

3.  Los  ascensos  6  promociones  legales. 

Parrafo  2.  Sin  embargo,  ningun  Diputado  6  Senador  podra  aceptar 
un  nombramiento  para  misiones  6  empleos  en  el  servicio  militar,  segun 
se  preceptua  en  los  numeros  1  y  2  del  parrafo  precedente,  sin  obtener 
primero  el  permiso  de  la  Camara  respectiva,  cuando  la  aceptacion  prive 
al  miembro  del  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones  legislativas,  salvo  en  caso 
de  guerra  6  en  los  casos  en  que  est^n  empenadas  la  honra  y  la  integridad 
de  la  Union. 

Art.  24.  Ningun  Diputado  6  Senador  podra  ser  Presidente  de  las 
juntas  directivas  de  bancos,  companias  6  empresas  que  gocen  de  las 
prerrogativas  del  Gobierno  Federal,  definidas  en  la  ley,  6  tomar  parte 
en  su  gobierno. 

Parrafo  unico.  La  inobservancia  de  los  preceptos  contenidos  en  este 
articulo  y  en  el  precedente,  importa  la  perdida  del  puesto. 

Art.  25.  El  puesto  de  Senador  6  Diputado  es  incompatible  con  el 
ejercicio  de  cualquiera  otra  funcion  mientras  duren  las  sesiones. 

Art.  26.  Son  condiciones  de  elegibilidad  al  Congreso  Nacional: 

1.  Gozar  de  los  derechos  de  ciudadano  brasileno,  y  tener  derecho  a 
registrarse  como  elector. 

2.  Para  ser  elegido  a  la  Camara  de  Diputados,  el  candidato  tiene  que 
haber  sido  ciudadano  brasileno  por  mas  de  cuatro  anos;  y  para  ser 
Senador,  tiene  que  haber  sido  ciudadano  brasileno  por  mas  de  seis  anos. 

Este  precepto  no  incluye  a  los  ciudadanos  mencionados  en  el  No.  4 
del  articulo  69. 

Art.  27.  El  Congreso  declarara,  en  una  ley  especial,  los  casos  de 
incompatibilidad  electoral. 


CONSTITUCION.  175 

Capitulo  II. 
La  C&mara  de  Diputados. 

Art.  28.  La  Camara  de  Diputados  se  compone  de  representantes  del 
pueblo  elegidos  por  los  Estados  y  el  Distrito  Federal,  por  sufragio 
directo,  eon  tal  que  se  garantice  la  representation  de  la  minoria. 

Parrafo  1.  El  numero  de  diputados  sera  fijado  por  la  ley  en  una  pro- 
porcion  que  no  ha  de  exceder  de  uno  por  cada  setenta  mil,  pero  cada 
Estado  tendra  por  lo  menos  cuatro  diputados. 

Parrafo  2.  Con  este  fin  el  Gobierno  Federal  ordenara  que  se  haga 
en  seguida  el  censo  de  la  poblacion  de  la  Republica,  el  cual  sera  reno- 
vado  cada  diez  anos. 

Art.  29.  Corresponde  a  la  Camara  la  iniciativa  para  la  suspension 
de  la  sesion  legislativa,  y  la  de  todas  las  leyes  relativas  a  impuestos, 
creacion  y  fijacion  del  numero  de  fuerzas  de  tierra  y  mar,  discusion  de 
las  recomendaciones  hechas  por  el  Poder  Ejecutivo,  y  declaracion  de 
procedencia  6  improcedencia  de  la  acusacion  del  Presidente  de  la  Repu- 
blica, con  arreglo  a  los  preceptos  del  articulo  53,  y  de  los  miembros 
del  Gabinete  6  ministros  de  Estado,  en  los  crimenes  que  cometan  en 
connivencia  con  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica. 

Capitulo  III. 
El  Senado. 

Art.  30.  El  Senado  se  compone  de  ciudadanos  elegibles  con  arreglo 
al  articulo  26,  y  mayores  de  treinta  y  cinco  anos.  Habra  tres  Sena- 
dores  por  cada  Estado,  y  tres  por  el  Distrito  Federal,  elegidos  del 
mismo  modo  que  los  Diputados. 

Art.  31.  El  cargo  de  Senador  durara  nueve  anos,  renovandose  cada 
tres  anos  una  tercera  parte  del  Senado. 

Parrafo  unico.  El  Senador  elegido  en  substitucion  de  otro,  ejercera 
su  cargo  durante  el  tiempo  que  le  restaba  al  Senador  reemplazado. 

Art.  32.  El  Vice-Presidente  de  la  Republica  sera  presidente  del 
Senado,  donde  solo  tendra  voto  en  caso  de  empate,  y  sera  substituido  en 
caso  de  ausencia  6  impedimento  por  el  Vice-Presidente  de  la  misma 
Camara. 

Art.  33.  Incumbe  exclusivamente  al  Senado  juzgar  al  Presidente  de 
la  Republica  y  a  los  demas  funcionarios  federales  designados  por  la 
Constitucion,  bajo  las  condiciones  y  de  la  manera  que  ella  prescribe. 

Parrafo  1.  Cuando  el  Senado  delibera  como  tribunal  de  justicia,  sera 
presidido  por  el  Presidente  del  Tribunal  Supremo  Federal. 

Parrafo  2.  No  pronunciara  sentencia  condenatoria,  sino  por  el  voto 
de  dos  terceras  partes  de  los  miembros  que  se  hallen  presentes. 

Parrafo  3.  No  podra  imponer  otras  penas  que  la  perdida  del  cargo 
y  la  incapacidad  de  ejercer  cualquier  otro,  dejando  a  la  justicia  ordi- 
naria  toda  otra  accion   contra  el  condenado. 

Capitulo  IV. 

Atribuciones  del  Congreso. 

Art.  34.  Incumbe  privativamente  al  Congreso  Nacional: 

1.  Calcular  la  rente  y  fijar  anualmente  los  gastos  del  Gobierno 

Federal,  asi  como  llevar  cuenta  de  los  ingresos  y  egresos  de  cada  ano 

economico. 


176  THE    UNITED    STATES   OF    BRAZIL. 

2.  Autorizar  al  Poder  Ejecutivo  para  levantar  emprestitos  y  hacer 
otras  operaciones  de  cre*dito. 

3.  Legislar  sobre  la  deuda  publica  y  proveer  inedios  para  su  pago. 

4.  Reglainentar  la  recaudacion  y  distribucion  de  la  renta  federal. 

5.  Reglamentar  el  comercio  internacional,  asi  como  el  de  los  Estados 
entre  si,  y  con  el  Distrito  Federal;  establecer  aduanas  y  crear  6 
suprimir  almacenes  de  depositos. 

6.  Legislar  sobre  la  navegacion  de  rios  que  corran  por  mas  de  un 
Estado  6  se  extiendan  hasta  un  territorio  extranjero. 

7.  Determinar  el  peso,  valor,  inscripcion,  tipo  y  denominacion  de 
las  monedas. 

8.  Crear  bancos  de  emision,  legislar  acerca  de  esta  emision  e  impo- 
nerle  contribuciones. 

9.  Fijar  el  patron  de  pesos  y  medidas. 

10.  Resolver  delinitivamente  sobre  los  limites  de  los  respectivos 
Estados,  entre  si,  los  del  Distrito  Federal,  y  los  del  Territorio  nacional. 

11.  Autorizar  al  Gobierno  para  declarar  la  guerra  cuando  fracasase 
el  arbitraje  6  no  pudiese  este  efectuarse,  y  para  hacer  la  paz. 

12.  Resolver  delinitivamente  sobre  los  tratados  y  convenciones  que 
se  celebren  con  naciones  extranjeras. 

13.  Mudar  la  capital  de  la  Union. 

14.  Conceder  subvenciones  a  los  Estados  en  el  caso  a  que  se  refiere 
el  articulo  5. 

15.  Legislar  acerca  del  servicio  federal  de  correos  y  tel^grafos. 

16.  Adoptar  las  medidas  necesarias  para  la  proteccion  de  las  f  ronteras. 

17.  Fijar  anualmente  el  numero  de  las  fuerzas  de  tierra  y  mar. 

18.  Legislar  sobre  la  organizacion  del  ejercito  y  la  marina. 

19.  Conceder  6  negar  el  paso  por  el  territorio  nacional,  a  fuerzas 
extranjeras  que  vaj^an  a  efectuar  en  otra  parte  operaciones  militares. 

20.  Movihzar  y  utilizar  la  guardia  nacional  6  la  milicia,  en  los  casos 
previstos  por  la  Constitution. 

21.  Declarar  en  estado  de  sitiounoomaspuntosdel  territorio  nacional, 
en  caso  de  ataque  extranjero  6  de  conmocion  intestina,  y  aprobar  6 
suspender  el  estado  de  sitio  que  hubiere  sido  declarado  por  el  Poder 
Ejecutivo  6  por  sus  agentes  responsables,  cuando  se  haga  en  ausencia 
del  Congreso. 

22.  Dictar  las  condiciones  y  modo  de  efectuarse  las  elecciones  para 
cargos  Federates  en  todo  el  pais. 

23.  Legislar  sobre  el  Derecho  civil,  comercial  y  criminal  de  la 
Republica,  y  sobre  procedimientos  federates. 

24.  Establecer  leyes  uniformes  sobre  naturalization. 

25.  Crear  y  suprimir  empleos  publicos  federales,  determinar  sus 
atribuciones  y  fijar  sus  sueldos. 

26.  Organizar  la  justicia  federal  con  arreglo  a  los  teVminos  del 
articulo  55  y  siguientes  de  la  section  III. 

27.  Conceder  amnistia. 

28.  Conmutar  y  perdonar  las  penas  impuestas  a  f  uncionarios  Fede- 
rales en  los  casos  de  responsabilidad  oficial. 

29.  Legislar  sobre  las  tierras  y  minas  pertenecientes  a  la  Union. 

30.  Legislar  sobre  la  organizacion  municipal  del  Distrito  Federal, 
y  sobre  policia,  educacion  superior  y  los  dermis  servicios  que  en  la 
capital  incumben  al  Gobierno  federal. 

31.  Someter  a  una  legislacion  especial  los  puntos  del  territorio  de  la 


C0NSTITUC10N.  177 

Republica  que  sean  necesarios  para  el  establecimiento  de  arsenales  u 
otras  instituciones  de  conveniencia  federal. 

32.  Reglamentar  la  extradition  entre  los  Estados. 

33.  Dictar  las  leyes  y  resoluciones  necesarias  para  el  debido  ejercicio 
de  los  poderes  que  pertenecen  a  la  Union. 

34.  Dictar  leyes  organicas  para  la  ejecucion  corapleta  de  la  Consti- 
tution. 

35.  Prorrogar  y  suspender  sus  sesiones. 

Art.  35.  Incnmbe,  asimis'mo,  al  Congreso,  pero  no  privativamente: 

1.  Velar  por  el  cumplimiento  de  la  constitution  y  las  leyes,  y  pro- 
veer  a  las  necesidades  de  caracter  federal. 

2.  Fomentar  en  el  pais  el  desarrollo  de  las  letras,  las  artes  y  las  cien- 
cias,  asi  como  la  inmigracion,  la  agricultura,  las  industrias  y  el  comer- 
cio,  con  tal  que  los  privilegios  concedidos  con  este  fin  no  estorben  la 
action  de  los  gobiernos  locales. 

3.  Crear  instituciones  de  segunda  ensenanza  y  de  instruction  supe- 
rior en  los  Estados. 

4.  Proveer  a  la  segunda  ensenanza  en  el  Distrito  Federal. 

Capitulo  V. 

Leyes  y  resoluciones. 

Art.  36.  Salvo  las  excepciones  mencionadas  en  el  articulo  29,  todos 
los  proyectos  de  ley  pueden  iniciarse  indistintamente,  en  la  Camara 
6  en  el  Senado,  y  pueden  ser  presentados  por  cualquiera  de  sus 
miembros. 

Art.  37.  Todo  proyecto  de  ley,  despues  de  haber  sido  aprobado  en 
una  de  las  Camaras,  se  sometera  a  la  consideration  de  la  otra,  y  si  esta 
ultima  lo  aprobase  tambien,  se  enviara  al  Poder  Ejecutivo,  el  cual, 
si  lo  aprobase,  lo  sancionara  y  prouiulgara. 

Parrafo  1.  Si  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica  juzgase  que  el  proyecto 
de  ley  es  anticonstitucional  6  contrario  a  los  intereses  de  la  Nation,  le 
pondra  el  veto  dentro  de  diez  dias  habiles,  a  contar  de  la  fecha  en  que 
lo  recibio,  y  lo  devolvera  dentro  del  mismo  plazo  a  la  Camara  donde 
se  initio,  exponiendo  los  motivos  que  tiene  para  rechazarlo. 

Parrafo  2.  Si  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica  dejase  de  aprobar  6  desa- 
probar  el  proyecto  de  ley  dentro  de  diez  dias  habiles,  se  entendera 
que  lo  sanciona,  j  en  caso  de  que  el  proyecto  de  ley  fuese  rechazado 
cuando  ya  estuviere  cerrado  el  Congreso,  el  Presidente  publicara  los 
motivos  que  tiene  para  ello. 

Parrafo  3.  Devuelto  el  proyecto  de  ley  a  la  Camara  donde  se  initio, 
se  discutira  en  ella  y  se  sometera  a  una  votacion  nominal,  consideran- 
dose  aprobado  si  obtuviese  dos  tercios  de  los  votos  de  los  miembros 
presentes.  En  este  caso,  el  pro}7ecto  se  remitira  a  la  otra  Camara,  la 
cual,  si  lo  aprobase  por  los  mismos  tramites  y  por  la  misma  mayoria, 
lo  enviara,  como  ley,  al  Poder  Ejecutivo  para  que  la  promulgue  con 
las  formalidades  debidas. 

Parrafo  4.  La  sancion  y  promulgation  se  efectuaran  de  acuerdo  con 
las  siguientes  formulas: 

1.  ?;  El  Congreso  National  decreta,  y  yo  sanciono,  la  siguiente  ley  (6 
resolution)." 

2.  "El  Congreso  National  decreta,  y  yo  promulgo,  la  siguiente  ley 
(6  resolution)." 

360a— vol  1—06 12 


178  THE    UNITED   STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 

Art.  38.  Si  la  ley  no  fuese  promulgada  dentro  de  cuarenta  y  ocho 
horas  por  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica,  en  los  casos  mencionados  en 
los  parrafos  2  y  3  del  articulo  37,  el  Presidente  del  Senado,  6  el  Vice- 
Presidente,  en  caso  de  que  el  primero  no  lo  hiciere,  dentro  de  igual 
plazo,  la  promulgara,  usando  la  siguiente  formula:  "  Yo,  el  Presidente 
(6  Vice-Presidente)  del  Senado,  por  la  presente  hago  saber  a  todos  los 
que  las  presentes  vieren,  que  el  Congreso  Nacional  decreta  y  promulga 
la  siguiente  ley  6  resolucion." 

Art.  39.  Todo  pro}recto  de  ley  procedente  de  una  Camara,  que  sea 
enmendado  en  la  otra,  volvera  a  la  primera,  la  cual,  si  acepta  las 
enmiendas,  lo  enviara  modificado,  en  conformidad  con  ellas,  al  Poder 
Ejecutivo. 

Parrafo  1.  En  caso  contrario,  volvera  a  la  Camara  donde  f  ue"  enmen- 
dado, y  si  esta  insiste  en  las  alteraciones  hechas  por  una  mayoria  de 
dos  tercios  de  los  votos  de  los  miembros  presentes,  se  consideraran 
aprobadas,  y  entonces  se  remitiran,  junto  con  el  proyecto  de  ley,  a  la 
Camara  iniciadora  donde  solo  podran  reprobarse  por  igual  mayoria  de 
votos. 

Parrafo  2.  Rechazadas  de  este  modo  las  alteraciones,  el  proj^ecto  de 
ley  se  sometera,  sin  ellas,  a  la  sancion  del  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  40.  Los  proyectos  de  ley  rechazados  tinalmente  6  no  sanciona- 
dos,  no  podran  ser  renovados  en  la  misma  sesion  legislativa. 

secci6n  ii. 

El  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Capitplo  I. 

El  Presidente  y  el  Vice-Presidente. 

Art.  41.  Ejerce  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  el  Presidente  de  los  Estados 
Unidos  del  Brasil,  como  Jefe  elegido  de  la  Nacion. 

Parrafo  1.  Substituira  al  Presidente,  en  caso  de  impedimento,  y  le 
sucedera  cuando  occurra  una  vacante  en  la  Presidencia,  el  Vice-Presi- 
dente, elegido  simultaneamente  con  el. 

Parrafo  2.  En  caso  de  impedimento  del  Vice-Presidente,  6  de  que 
ocurra  la  vacante  del  cargo,  los  siguientes  funcionarios  seran  llamados 
a  la  Presidencia  por  el  orden  que  sigue:  El  Vice-Presidente  del  Senado, 
el  Presidente  de  la  Camara  de  Diputadps  y  el  Presidente  del  Tribunal 
Supremo  Federal. 

Parrafo  3.  Son  condiciones  esenciales  para  ser  elegido  Presidente  6 
Vice-Presidente  de  la  Republica: 

1.  Ser  natural  del  Brasil. 

2.  Estar  en  el  pleno  ejercicio  de  los  derechos  politicos. 

3.  Ser  mayor  de  treinta  y  cinco  anos. 

Art.  42.  En  caso  de  vacante  de  la  Presidencia  6  Vice-Presidencia, 
por  cualquiera  causa,  antes  de  que  hayan  transcurrido  dos  anos  del 
t^rmino  presidencial,  se  efectuara  una  nueva  eleccion. 

Art.  43.  El  Presidente  ejercera  su  cargo  durante  cuatro  anos,  no 
pudiendo  ser  reelecto  para  el  inmediato  periodo  presidencial. 

Parrafo  1.  El  Vice-Presidente  que  ejerciese  la  Presidencia  durante 
el  ultimo  ano  del  termino  presidencial,  no  podra  ser  electo  Presidente 
para  el  termino  siguiente. 


CONSTITUCION.  179 

Parrafo  2.  El  Presidente  dejara  de  ejercer  sus  funciones  improrro- 
gablemente  el  niismo  dia  en  que  termine  su  periodo  presidencial  y  le 
sucedera  en  seguida  el  Presidente  recien  electo. 

Parrafo  3.  Si  este  se  hallare  impedido  6  faltase,  su  sustitucion  se 
efectuani  de  acuerdo  con  los  terminos  de  los  parraf os  1  y  2  del  articulo  41. 

Parrafo  4.  El  primer  termino  presidencial  terminara  el  quince  de 
Noviembre  de  mil  ochocientos  noventa  y  cuatro. 

Art.  44.  Al  tomar  posesion  .de  su  cargo,  el  Presidente,  en  sesion 
publica  del  Congreso,  6  ante  el  Tribunal  Supremo  Federal,  si  el  Con- 
greso  no  estuviere  reunido,  hard  la  siguiente  arirmacion: 

"Prometo  mantener  y  cumplir  con  perfecta  lealtad  la  Constitucion 
Federal,  fomentar  el  bienestar  general  de  la  Republica,  cumplir  sus 
leyes,  mantener  la  Union,  su  integridad  e  independencia." 

Art.  45.  El  Presidente  y  Vice-Presidente  no  podran  salir  del  terri- 
torio  nacional  sin  permiso  del  Congreso,  so  pena  de  perder  su  puesto. 

Art.  46.  El  Presidente  y  el  Vice-Presidente  percibiran  el  sueldo 
fijado  por  el  Congreso  en  el  termino  presidencial  antecedente. 

Capitulo  II. 

Eleccidn  de  Presidente  y  Vice-Presidente. 

Art.  47.  El  Presidente  y  el  Vice-Presidente  de  la  Republica  seran 
elegidos  por  suf ragio  directo  de  la  Nacion  y  por  una  mayoria  absoluta 
de  votos. 

Parrafo  1.  La  elecion  se  celebrara  el  dia  primero  de  Marzo  del 
ultimo  ano  del  termino  presidencial,  procediendose  en  la  Capital 
Federal  y  en  las  de  los  Estados,  al  escrutinio  de  los  votos  recibidos  en 
las  respectivas  circunscripciones.  El  Congreso  contara  los  votos  en  su 
primera  sesion  del  mismo  ano,  sea  cual  fuere  el  numero  de  miembros 
presentes. 

Parrafo  2.  Si  ninguno  de  los  candidatos  por  quienes  se  hubiere  votado 
obtuviese  una  mayoria  absoluta,  el  Congreso  elegira,  por  mayoria  de 
votos  de  los  que  esten  presentes,  uno  de  los  que  nubiesen  alcanzado  el 
mayor  numero  de  votos  en  la  eleccion  directa. 

En  caso  de  empate,  se  considerara  electo  el  candidato  de  mas  edad. 

Parrafo  3.  El  procedimiento  de  la  eleccion  y  del  escrutinio  sera 
objeto  de  una  ley  ordinaria. 

Parrafo  4.  Seran  inelegibles  para  los  cargos  de  Presidente  y  Vice- 
Presidente,  los  parientes  consanguineos  y  alines,  dentro  del  primero  y 
segundo  grado  del  Presidente  6  Vice-Presidente  que  se  halle  en 
ejercicio  de  su  cargo  en  el  momento  de  la  eleccion,  6  que  lo  ha}ra  estado 
seis  meses  antes. 

Capitulo  III. 

Atribuciones  del  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  48.  Incumbe  privativamente  al  Presidente  de  la  Republica: 

1.  Sancionar,  promulgar  y  hacer  publicar  las  leyes  y  resoluciones 
del  Congreso;  expedir  decretos,  instrucciones  y  reglamentos,  para  su 
fiel  ejecucion. 

2.  Nombrar  y  destituir  a  su  voluntad  los  Ministros  de  Estado  6 
miembros  de  su  Gabinete. 

3.  Ejercer  6  designar  al  que  deba  ejercer  el  mando  supremo  de  las 


180  THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 

f  uerzas  de  tierra  y  mar  de  los  Estados  Unidos  del  Brasil,  cuando  f  ueren 
llamadas  a  las  armas  para  la  defensa  interior  6  exterior  de  la  Union. 

4.  Ejercer  el  mando  del  Ejercito  y  Marina,  y  distribuir  sus  respecti- 
vas  f uerzas  en  conformidad  con.  las  le}res  federales  y  las  necesidades 
del  Gobierno  Nacional. 

5.  Proveer  los  cargos  civiles  y  militares  de  caracter  federal,  salvo 
las  restricciones  estipuladas  en  la  Constitucion. 

6.  Indultar  y  conmutar  las  penas  por  crimeues  que  esten  sujetos  a 
la  jurisdiccion  federal,  salvo  en  los  casos  a  que  se  nace  referencia  en 
los  articulos  34,  No.  28,  y  52,  parrafo  2. 

7.  Declarar  la  guerra  y  hacer  la  paz,  con  arreglo  a  los  te'rminos  del 
articulo  34,  No.  11. 

8.  Declarar  inmediatamente  la  guerra  en  los  casos  de  invasion  6 
agresion  extranjera. 

9.  Dar  cuenta  anualmente  de  la  situacion  del  pais  al  Congreso  Nacio- 
nal, indicandole  las  providencias  y  reformas  que  sean  urgentes,  en  un 
mensaje  que  remitira  al  Secretario  del  Senado,  el  dia  de  la  apertura  de 
la  sesion  legislativa. 

10.  Convocar  al  Congreso  a  sesiones  extraordinarias. 

11.  Nombrar  los  magistrados  federales  mediante  la  propuesta  del 
Tribunal  Supremo. 

12.  Nombrar  los  miembros  del  Tribunal  Supremo  Federal  y  los 
Ministros  del  Cuerpo  Diplomatico,  estando  el  nombramiento  sujeto  a 
la  aprobacion  del  Senado,  y  en  caso  de  ausencia  del  Congreso,  desig- 
narlos  en  comision  hasta  que  el  Senado  los  apruebe. 

13.  Nombrar  los  demas  miembros  del  cuerpo  diplomatico  y  los 
agentes  consulares. 

14.  Mantener  las  relaciones  con  los  Estados  extranjeros. 

15.  Declarar,  por  si,  6  por  conducto  de  sus  agentes  responsables,  el 
estado  de  sitio  de  cualquier  punto  del  territorio  nacional,  en  los  casos 
de  agresion  extranjera  6  de  grave  conmocion  intestina.  (Art.  6,  No. 
3;  Art.  34,  No.  21,  y  Art.  80.) 

16.  Entablar  negociaciones  internacionales,  celebrar  convenios,  con- 
venciones  y  tratados,  siempre  ad  referendum  del  Congreso,  y  aprobar 
los  que  celebren  los  Estados  en  conformidad  con  el  articulo  65,  some- 
tiendolos,  siempre  que  sea  necesario,  a  la  autoridad  del  Congreso. 

Capitulo  IV. 
Los  Ministros  de  Estado. 

Art.  49.  El  Presidents  de  la  Republica  sera  auxiliado  por  los  Minis- 
tros de  Estado,  agentes  de  su  contianza,  que  suscribiran  las  actas,  y 
cada  uno  de  ellos  presidira  en  los  Ministerios  en  que  se  divida  la  admi- 
nistration federal. 

Art.  50.  Ningun  Ministro  de  Estado  podra  ejercer  otro  empleo  6 
funcion  publica,  ni  ser  electo  Presidente  6  Vice-Presidente  de  la 
Union,  Diputado  6  Senador. 

Parrafo  unico.  El  Diputado  6  Senador  que  aceptare  un  cargo  de 
Ministro  de  Estado,  perdera  su  puesto  en  la  Camara  respectiva,  y  se 
procedera  inmediatamente  a  una  nueva  eleccion,  en  la  cual  no  se  podra 
votar  por  el. 

Art.  51.  Los  Ministros  de  Estado  no  podran  comparecer  a  las 
sesiones  del  Congreso,  y  solo  se  comunicaran  con  el  por  escrito.  Po- 
dran celebrar  personalmente  conferencias  con  las  comisiones  de  las 
Camaras. 


CONSTITUCION.  181 

Los  informes  anuales  de  los  Ministros  seran  dirigidos  al  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  y  distribuidos  a  todos  los  miembros  del  Congreso. 

Art.  52.  Los  Ministros  de  Estado  no  son  responsables  ante  el  Con- 
greso 6  ante  los  tribunales,  por  los  consejos  que  hayan  dado  al  Presi- 
dente de  la  Republica. 

Parrafo  1.  Seran  responsables,  sin  embargo,  en  cuanto  a  sus  pro- 
pios  actos,  por  los  crimenes  definidos  en  la  ley. 

Parrafo  2.  En  los  casos  de  delitos  comunes,  y  en  los  de  responsa- 
bilidad  oficial,  seran  procesados  y  juzgados  por  el  Tribunal  Supremo 
Federal,  y  por  los  que  cometan  conjuntamente  con  el  Presidente  de  la 
Republica,  por  la  autoridad  competente  para  juzgar  estos  ultimos. 

Capitulo  V. 
Responsabilidad  del  Presidente. ' 

Art.  53.  El  Presidente  de  los  Estados  Unidos  del  Brasil  sera  pro- 
cesado  y  juzgado,  despues  que  la  Camera  declare  procedente  la  acu- 
sacion, ante  el  Tribunal  Supremo  Federal,  cuando  se  trate  de  delitos 
comunes,  y  en  los  casos  de  responsibilidad  oficial,  ante  el  Senado. 

Parrafo  unico.  Decretada  la  procedencia  de  la  acusacion,  el  Presi- 
dente quedara  suspenso  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones. 

Art.  54.  Son  crimenes  6  delitos  que  envuelven  responsibilidad  ofi- 
cial del  Presidente  de  la  Republica  los  actos  que  atentaren  contra: 

1.  La  existencia  politica  de  la  Union. 

2.  La  Constitucion  y  la  forma  de  Gobierno  Federal. 

3.  El  libre  ejercicio  de  los  poderes  politicos. 

4.  El  goce  y  ejercicio  legal  de  los  derechos  politicos  6  individuales. 

5.  La  seguridad  interior  del  pais. 

6.  La  probidad  u  honradez  de  la  administracion. 

7.  La  custodia  y  empleo  constitucional  de  los  fondos  publicos. 

8.  Las  asignaciones  votadas  por  el  Congreso. 

Parrafo  1.  Estos  delitos  se  definiran  mediante  una  ley  especial. 

Parrafo  2.  Otra  ley  reglamentara  la  acusacion,  el  proceso  y  la 
sentencia. 

Parrafo  3.  Estas  dos  leyes  seran  decretadas  en  la  primera  sesion  del 
primer  Congreso 

secci6n  hi. 

El  Poder  Judicial. 

Art.  55.  El  Poder  Judicial  de  la  Union  lo  ejercen  el  Tribunal 
Supremo  Federal,  que  reside  en  la  Capital  de  la  Republica,  }r  los  demas 
tribunales  inferiores  federales  distribuidos  por  todo  el  pais,  que  esta- 
blezca  el  Congreso. 

Art.  56.  El  Tribunal  Supremo  Federal  se  compondra  de  quince 
Magistrados,  nombrados  con  arreglo  a  los  preceptos  del  articulo  48, 
No.  12,  de  entre  ciudadanos  de  notable  saber  y  reputacion  que  sean 
elegibles  al  Senado. 

Art.  57.  Los  jueces  federales  seran  vitalicios  y  perderan  su  cargo 
unicamente  por  virtud  de  sentencia  judicial. 

Parrafo  1.  Sus  sueldos  se  fijaran  por  la  ley,  y  no  podran  ser  dis- 
minuidos. 

Parrafo  2.  El  Senado  juzgara  a  los  miembros  del  Tribunal  Supremo 
en  los  casos  de  responsabilidad  oficial,  y  a  su  vez,  el  referido  Tribunal 
juzgara  a  los  jueces  federales  inferiores. 


182  THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 

Art.  58.  Los  tribunales  f  ederales  elegiran  de  su  seno  su  Presidente, 
y  organizaran  sus  respectivas  secretarias. 

Parrafo  1.  El  nombramiento  y  destitucion  de  los  empleados  de  secre- 
taria,  asi  como  la  provision  de  los  funcionarios  judiciales  en  las  circuns- 
cripciones  judiciales,  corresponde  a  los  presidentes  de  los  tribunales 
respectivos. 

Parrafo  2.  El  Presidente  de  la  Republica  designara  de  entre  los 
miembros  del  Tribunal  Supremo  Federal,  un  Procurador  General  de 
la  Republica,  cuyas  atribuciones  se  definiran  por  la  ley. 

Art.  59.  Al  Tribunal  Supremo  Federal  incumbe: 

I.  Conocer  original  y  privativamente: 

(a)  De  las  causas  contra  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica,  por  delitos 
comunes,  y  contra  los  Ministros  de  Estado  en  los  casos  mencionados  en 
el  articulo  52. 

(b)  De  las  causas  contra  los  ministros  diplomaticos,  por  delitos  comu- 
nes y  en  los  casos  de  responsabilidad  oficial. 

(c)  De  las  causas  y  conflictos  de  jurisdiccion  entre  la  Union  y  los 
Estados  6  entre  los  Estados  unos  con  otros. 

(d)  De  los  litigios  y  de  las  reclamaciones  entre  naciones  extranjeras  y 
la  Union  6  entre  naciones  extranjeras  y  los  Estados. 

(e)  De  los  conflictos  de  los  jueces  6  tribunales  Federales  entre  si,  6 
entre  e\stos  y  los  de  los  Estados,  asi  como  entre  los  jueces  y  tribunales 
de  un  Estado  y  los  jueces  y  tribunales  de  otro  Estado. 

II.  Juzgar  en  grado  de  apelacion,  las  cuestiones  resueltas  por  los 
jueces  y  tribunales  federales,  asi  como  las  mencionadas  en  el  parrafo  I 
del  presente  articulo,  y  el  articulo  60; 

III.  Revisar  los  procesos  resueltos,  con  arreglo  a  los  terminos  del 
articulo  81. 

Parrafo  1.  Las  sentencias  de  los  tribunales  del  Estado  en  ultima 
instancia  pueden  llevarse  en  recurso  al  Tribunal  Supremo  Federal: 

(a)  Cuando  se  ponga  en  tela  de  iuicio  la  validez  6  la  aplicabilidad  de 
los  tratados  6  leyes  federales,  y  la  decision  del  tribunal  del  Estado 
fuese  contra  ella. 

(b)  Cuando  se  ponga  en  tela  de  juicio  la  validez  de  las  leyes  6  de  los 
actos  de  los  Gobiernos  de  los  Estados,  tocante  a  la  Constitucion  6  a  las 
leyes  federales,  y  cuando  la  decision  del  tribunal  del  Estado  consi- 
derase  validos  dichos  actos  6  dichas  leyes  impugnadas. 

Parrafo  2.  En  los  casos  en  que  hubieren  de  aplicarse  las  leves  de  los 
Estados,  el  Tribunal  federal  consultara  la  jurisprudencia  de  los  tri- 
bunales locales,  y  vice  versa,  los  tribunales  de  los  Estados  consultaran 
la  jurisprudencia  de  los  tribunales  federales  siempre  que  hubieren  de 
interpretar  las  leyes  de  la  Union. 

Art.  60.  Incumbe  a  los  jueces  y  a  los  tribunales  federales  conocer  de: 

(a)  Las  causas  en  que  alguna  de  las  partes  fundare  la  acusacion  6 
la  defensa  en  las  disposiciones  6  preceptos  de  la  Constitucion  Federal. 

(b)  Todas  las  causas  iniciadas  contra  el  Gobierno  de  la  Union  6  contra 
el  Tesoro  Nacional,  f  undadas  en  disposiciones  de  la  Constitucion,  6  de 
leyes  y  reglamentos  del  Poder  Ejecutivo,  6  en  los  contratos  celebrados 
con  el  mismo  Gobierno. 

(c)  Las  causas  provenientes  de  compensaciones,  recuperacion  de 
propiedades,  indemnizacion  por  danos  y  perjuicios,  6  cualesquiera 
otras  causas  iniciadas  6  entabladas  por  el  Gobierno  de  la  Union  contra 
particulares  6  vice  versa. 

(d)  Los  litigios  entre  un  Estado  y  los  ciudadanos  de  otro,  6  entre  los 


CONSTITUTION.  183 

ciudadanos  de  diferentes  Estados,  cuando  las  leyes  de  estos  son  dis- 
tintas. 

(<?)  Los  pleitos  entre  Estados  extranjeros  y  ciudadanos  brasilenos. 

(/)  Los  pleitos  entablados  por  extranjeros  y  fundados  en  contratos 
celebrados  por  el  Gobierno  Federal,  6  en  convenciones  6  tratados  de  la 
Union  con  otras  naciones. 

(g)  Las  cuestiones  de  Derecho  maritimo  y  navegacion,  tanto  en  el 
oceano  como  en  los  rios  y  lagos  del  pais. 

(h)  Las  cuestiones  de  Derecho  criminal  6  civil  internacional. 

(i)  Los  delitos  politicos. 

Parrafo  1.  Al  Congreso  le  esta  vedado  someter  ninguna  parte  de  la 
jurisdiction  federal  a  los  tribunales  de  los  Estados. 

Parrafo  2.  Las  sentencias  y  ordenes  de  la  magistratura  federal, 
seran  ejecutadas  por  funcionarios  del  Tribunal  Federal  6  de  la  Union, 
y  la  policia  local  quedara  obligada  a  prestarle  auxilio  cuando  ellos  la 
invoquen. 

Art.  61.  Las  decisiones  de  los  jueces  y  tribunales  de  los  Estados, 
en  los  asuntos  de  su  competencia,  podran  terminar  los  procesos  y 
cuestiones,  salvo  en  cuanto  al: 

1.  Habeas  corpus,  6 

2.  Los  bienes  de  un  difunto  extranjero,  en  los  casos  que  no  estuvie- 
ren  previstos  en  una  convention  6  tratado. 

En  tales  casos  habra  un  recurso  voluntario  al  Tribunal  Supremo 
Federal. 

Art.  62.  Los  tribunales  de  los  Estados  no  podran  intervenir  en  las 
cuestiones  sometidas  a  los  tribunales  federates,  ni  anular,  alterar  6 
suspender  sus  sentencias  6  decretos.  Y  reciprocamente,  el  Tribunal 
Federal  no  podra  intervenir  en  las  cuestiones  sometidas  a  los  tribu- 
nales de  los  Estados,  ni  anular,  alterar  6  suspender  las  decisiones  u 
ordenes  de  estos,  excepto  en  los  casos  declarados  expresamente  en 
esta  Constitucion. 

tItuxo  ii. 

LOS  ESTADOS. 

Art.  63.  Cada  Estado  se  regira  por  la  Constitucion  y  las  leyes  que 
adopte,  quedando  entendido  que  respetara  los  principios  constitucio- 
nales  de  la  Union. 

Art.  64.  Pertenecen  a  los  Estados,  las  minas  y  los  terrenos  baldios 
situados  en  sus  respectivos  territorios,  teniendo  la  Union  solamente 
derecho  a  la  parte  de  territorio  que  sea  indispensable  para  la  defensa 
de  las  f ronteras,  f ortificaciones,  construcciones  militares  y  ferrocarriles 
federales. 

Parrafo  unico.  Las  propiedades  nacionales  que  no  f ueren  necesarias 
para  el  servicio  de  la  Union,  pasaran  al  dominio  de  los  Estados 
en  cuyo  territorio  estuvieren  situadas. 

Art.  65.  Los  Estados  estan  autorizados  para: 

1.  Celebrar  entre  si,  acuerdos  y  convenciones  que  no  sean  de  caracter 
politico.     (Vease  el  art.  48,  No.  16.) 

2.  Ejercer  en  general  cualquier  poder  6  derecho  que  no  este  negado 
por  una  clausula  expresa  6  implicita  contenida  en  la  Constitucion. 

Art.  66.  A  los  Estados  les  esta  vedado: 

1.  Negarse  a  dar  fe  a  los  documentos  publicos  de  la  Union  6  de 
cualquiera  Estado  de  indole  legislative,  administrativa  6  judicial. 


184  THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 

2.  Rechazar  la  moneda  6  las  emisiones  bancarias  que  circulen  por  un 
acto  6  ley  del  Gobierno  federal. 

3.  Hacer  6  declarar  la  guerra  entre  si  y  hacer  uso  de  represalias. 

4.  Rehusar  la  extradicion  de  criminales  reclamados  por  los  tribunales 
de  otros  Estados  6  del  Distrito  Federal,  con  arreglo  a  las  leyes  de  la 
Union  que  a  esta  materia  se  refieren.     (V6ase  el  art.  34,  No.  32.) 

Art.  67.  Salvas  las  restricciones  especificadas  en  la  Constitucion  y 
en  las  leyes  federales,  el  Distrito  Federal  sera  administrado  por  las 
autoridades  municipales. 

Parrafo  unico.  Los  gastos  de  caracter  local  en  la  capital  de  la 
Repiiblica,  incumben  exclusivamente  a  las  autoridades  municipales. 

TITUL.O  III. 
EL  MUNICIPIO. 

Art.  68.  Los  Estados  se  organizaran  de  tal  modo,  que  quede  asegu- 
rada  la  autonomia  de  los  municipios  en  todo  lo  concerniente  &  sus 
intereses  peculiares. 

TITTJLO  TV. 

LA  CIUDADANIA  BRASILEftA. 

secci6n  i. 

Cualidades  de  los  ciudadanos  brasilenos. 

Art.  69.  Son  ciudadanos  brasilenos: 

1.  Los  nacidos  en  el  Brasil,  aunque  sean  de  padres  extranjeros,  con 
tal  que  el  padre  resida  en  el  Brasil  y  no  este  en  el  servicio  de  su  nacion. 

2.  Los  hijos  de  padres  brasilenos  y  los  hijos  ilegitimos  de  madres 
brasilenas  nacidos  en  paises  extranjeros,  si  establecieren  su  domicilio 
en  la  Republica. 

3.  Los  hijos  de  padres  brasilenos  que  residan  6  estuvieren  en  otro 
pais  al  servicio  de  la  Republica,  con  tal  que  no  establezcan  alii  su 
domicilio. 

4.  Los  extranjeros  que  hallandose  en  el  Brasil  el  quince  de  Noviem- 
bre  de  mil  ochocientos  ochenta  y  nueve,  no  declarasen  dentro  de  seis 
meses,  a  contar  desde  la  fecha  en  que  la  Constitucion  se  declaro  vigente, 
su  deseo  de  conservar  la  nacionalidad  de  su  origen. 

5.  Los  extranjeros  que  posean  bienes  raices  en  el  Brasil,  y  fueren  casa- 
dos  con  brasilenas  6  tuvieren  hijos  brasilenos,  con  tal  que  residan  en 
el  Brasil,  a  menos  que  manifiesten  la  intencion  de  no  mudar  de 
nacionalidad. 

6.  Los  extranjeros  naturalizados  de  cualquiera  otra  manera. 

Art.  70.  Son  electores  los  ciudadanos  may  ores  de  veintiun  anos  que 
se  inscriban  6  registren  con  arreglo  a  la  ley. 

Parrafo  1.  No  pueden  registrarse  como  electores  para  las  elecciones 
federales  6  para  la  de  los  Estados: 

1.  Los  mendigos. 

2.  Los  analfabetos. 

3.  Los  soldados  con  paga,  excepto  los  alumnos  de  las  escuelas  mili- 
tares  de  instruccion  superior. 

4.  Los  religiosos  de  ordenes  monasticas,  companias,  congregaciones 
6  comunidades  de  cualquiera  denominacion,  que  esten  sujetos  a  un 


constituci6n.  185 

voto  de  obediencia,  regla  6  estatuto  que  equivalga  a  una  renuncia  de 
la  libertad  individual. 

Parrafo  2.  Son  inelegibles  los  ciudadanos  que  no  pueden  registrarse. 

Art.  71.  Los  derechos  de  ciudadanos  brasilenos  solo  se  suspenden 
6  pierden  en  los  siguientes  casos: 

Parrafo  1.  Se  suspenden  los  derechos: 

(a)  Por  incapacidad  fisica  6  moral. 

(b)  Por  condenacion  criminal  mientras  duren  sus  ef ectos. 
Parrafo  2.  Se  pierden  dichos  derechos: 

(a)  Por  naturalizacion  en  pais  extranjero. 

(b)  Por  aceptacion  de  un  empleo  6  pension  de  un  Gobierno  extran- 
jero, sin  permiso  del  Poder  Ejecutivo  Federal. 

Parrafo  3.  Una  ley  federal  determinant  las  condiciones  de  la  resti- 
tucion  de  los  derechos  de  ciudadanos  brasilenos. 

secci6n  ii. 
Declaration  de  derechos. 

Art.  72.  La  Constitution  garantiza  a  los  brasilenos  y  extranjeros 
residentes  en  el  pais,  la  inviolabilidad  de  sus  derechos  relativos  a  la 
libertad  individual  y  garantia  de  vidas  y  haciendas,  en  los  terminos 
siguientes: 

Parrafo  1.  Nadie  podra  ser  obligado  a  hacer  6  dejar  de  hacer  una 
cosa,  sino  en  virtud  de  la  ley. 

Parrafo  2.  Todos  son  iguales  ante  la  ley.  La  Kepublica  no  admite 
privilegios  de  nacimiento,  desconoce  los  f  ueros  de  nobleza,  y  extingue 
las  ordenes  honorificas  y  todas  sus  prerrogativas  y  decoraciones,  asi 
como  los  titulos  de  nobleza. 

Parrafo  3.  Todos  los  individuos  y  denominaciones  religiosas  podran 
ejercer  publica  y  libremente  su  culto,  asociarse  con  tal  fin,  y  adquirir 
bienes,  con  tal  que  se  observen  las  prescripciones  del  Derecho  comun. 

Parrafo  4.  La  Kepublica  solo  reconoce  el  matrimonio  civil,  cuya 
celebration  sera  gratuita. 

Parrafo  5.  Los  cementerios  tendran  caracter  secular  y  seran  admi- 
nistrados  por  la  autoridad  municipal,  quedando  libre  a  todos  los  cultos 
religiosos  la  practica  de  los  respectivos  ritos  en  armonia  con  sus  creencias, 
con  tal  que  no  ofendan  la  moral  publica  y  las  leyes. 

Parrafo  6.  La  instruction  dada  en  los  establecimientos  piiblicos  eras 
secular. 

Parrafo  7.  Ningun  culto  6  iglesia  gozara  de  subvention  oficial  ni 
tendra  relaciones  de  dependencia  6  de  alianza  con  el  Gobierno  de  la 
Union,  6  con  el  de  los  Estados. 

Parrafo  8.  Es  licito  a  todos  asociarse  y  reunirse  libremente  sin 
armas,  no  pudiendo  intervenir  la  policia  sino  para  mantener  el  orden 
publico. 

Parrafo  9.  Se  permite  a  quienquiera  que  lo  desee,  dirigirse  por 
medio  de  una  peticion  a  los  Poderes  publicos,  denunciar  los  abusos  de 
las  autoridades,  y  hacer  que  se  determine  la  responsabilidad  6  delito 
de  los  delincuentes. 

Parrafo  10.  En  tiempo  de  paz,  cualquiera  podra  entrar  en  el  terri- 
torio  nacional  y  salir  de  el  sin  pasaporte,  con  su  fortuna  y  bienes, 
cuando  y  como  le  convenga. 


186  THE   UNITED   STATES   OF   BKAZIL. 

Parrafo  11.  El  hogar  es  el  asilo  inviolable  del  individuo,  y  nadie 
podni  penetrar  en  el  de  noche  sin  el  consentiraiento  del  morador,  sino 
para  ayudar  a  las  victimas  de  crimenes  6  desastres,  ni  tampoco  podra 
penetrarse  en  6\  durante  el  dia,  sino  en  los  casos  y  en  la  forma  prescri- 
tos  por  la  ley. 

Parrafo  12.  Podra  expresarse  la  opinion  libremente  acerca  de  cual- 
quier  asunto,  por  la  prensa  6  por  la  tribuna,  sin  soineterse  a  la  censura, 
siendo  cada  cual  responsable  de  los  abusos  que  cometa,  en  los  casos  y 
en  la  forma  prescritos  por  la  ley.     No  se  permiten  los  anonimos. 

Parrafo  13.  A  excepcion  de  los  casos  de  flagrante  delicto,  la  prision 
no  podra  ejecutarse  sino  despues  de  haber  habido  una  denuncia  for- 
mal, salvo  en  los  casos  determinados  por  la  ley,  y  mediante  orden 
escrita  de  la  autoridad  competente. 

Parrafo  14.  Nadie  podra  ser  detenido  en  prision  sin  f ormacion  de 
causa,  salvo  las  excepciones  especificadas  en  la  ley,  ni  podra  llevarse  a 
la  prision  ni  detenerse  alii,  si  prestare  la  fianza  debida  en  los  casos  en 
que  la  ley  lo  permita. 

Parrafo  15.  Ninguna  persona  sera  sentenciada  sino  por  la  autoridad 
competente,  en  virtud  de  una  ley  ya  vigente  y  en  la  forma  prescrita 
por  ella. 

Parrafo  16.  Laley  permite  al  acusado  la  mas  plena  defensa  y  el  uso 
de  todos  los  recursos  y  medios  indispensables  para  ella,  empezando  por 
la  notification  de  los  cargos,  que  debera  entregarse  al  preso  dentro  de 
veinticuatro  horas,  firmada  por  la  autoridad  competente,  junto  con  los 
nombres  del  acusador  y  de  los  testigos. 

Parrafo  17.  El  derecho  de  propiedad  se  mantiene  en  toda  su  pleni- 
tud,  excepto  la  expropiacion  por  necesidad  6  utilidad  publica,  previa 
indemnizacion.  Las  minas  pertenecen  a  los  propietarios  del  terreno, 
con  excepcion  de  las  limitaciones  que  se  establezcan  por  la  ley  para 
estimular  la  explotacion  de  esta  industria. 

Parrafo  18.  El  secreto  de  la  correspondencia  es  inviolable. 

Parrafo  19.  Ninguna  pena  se  extendera  mas  alia  del  delincuente. 

Parrafo  20.  Quedan  abolidas  la  pena  de  galeras  y  la  del  destierro 
judicial. 

Parrafo  21 .  Queda  igualmente  abolida  la  pena  de  muerte  por  delitos 

{)oliticos,  salvo  los  casos  comprendidos  en  las  prescripciones  de  la  legis- 
acion  militar,  en  tiempo  de  guerra. 

Parrafo  22.  Siempre  se  concedera  el  habeas  corpus,  cuando  el  indi- 
viduo sufra  6  este"  en  inminente  peligro  de  suf rir  violencia  6  compul- 
sion a  causa  de  alguna  ilegalidad  6  abuso  de  poder. 

Parrafo  23.  A  excepcion  de  las  causas  que  por  su  indole  6  naturaleza 
pertenecen  a  tribunales  especiales,  no  habra  fuero  privilegiado. 

Parrafo  24.  Queda  garantizado  el  libre  ejercicio  de  toda  profesion, 
moral,  intelectual  e  industrial. 

Parrafo  25.  Los  inventos  industriales  perteneceran  a  sus  autores,  a 
quienes  se  les  garantizara  por  la  ley  un  privilegio  temporal,  6  el  Con- 
greso  les  concedera  un  premio  razonable,  cuando  sea  conveniente 
vulgarizar  el  invento. 

Parrafo  26.  A  los  autores  de  obras  literarias  y  artisticas,  se  les 
garantizara  el  derecho  exclusivo  de  reproducirlas  por  la  imprenta  6  por 
cualquier  otro  procedimiento  mecanico.  Los  herederos  de  los  autores 
gozaran  de  este  derecho  por  el  tiempo  que  la  ley  determine. 

Parrafo  27.  La  ley  garantizara  tambien  la  propiedad  de  las  marcas 
de  fabrica. 


CONSTITUCION.  187 

Parrafo  28.  A  ningun  ciudadano  brasileno  se  le  privara  de  sus  dere- 
chos civiles  6  politicos,  ni  se  le  eximira  del  cumplimiento  de  cualquier 
deber  civil,  a  causa  de  su  creencia  6  mision  religiosa. 

Parrafo  29.  Los  que  alegaren  un  motivo  de  creencia  religiosa  para 
eximirse  de  cualquier  deber  que  las  leyes  de  la  Eepublica  impongan  a 
sus  ciudadanos,  y  los  que  aceptaren  decoraciones  o  titulos  de  nobleza 
extranjeros,  perderan  todos  sus  derechos  politicos. 

Parrafo  30.  No  podra  cobrarse  ningun  impuesto,  sea  cual  f uere  su 
indole,  sino  en  virtud  de  una  ley  que  lo  autorize. 

Parrafo  31.  Se  mantendra  la  institution  del  jurado. 

Art.  73.  Los  cargos  publicos,  civiles  6  militares,  seran  accesibles  a 
todos  los  ciudadanos  brasilenos,  previa  la  observancia  de  las  condi- 
ciones  de  capacidad  especial  que  la  ley  estatuya,  prohibiendose,  sin 
embargo,  la  acumulacion  de  empleos  remunerados. 

Art.  74.  Las  comisiones,  empleos  y  cargos  vitalicios  seran  garan- 
tizados  en  toda  su  plenitud. 

Art.  75.  La  jubilation  solo  podra  ser  concedida  a  los  funcionarios 
publicos  en  los  casos  de  incapacidad  sobrevenida  en  el  servicio  de  la 
nation. 

Art.  76.  Los  oficiales  del  Ejercito  y  de  la  Marina  solo  perderan  sus 
empleos  por  condenacion  6  sentencia  de  mas  de  dos  anos  de  prision, 
pronunciada  despues  del  debido  proceso  por  los  tribunales  competentes. 

Art.  77.  Los  militares  de  tierra  y  mar  tendran  una  jurisdiction  6 
fuero  especial  en  los  delitos  militares. 

Parrafo  1.  Este  fuero  se  compondra  de  un  Tribunal  Militar  Supremo 
cuyos  miembros  serviran  por  toda  su  vida,  y  de  los  consejos  de  guerra 
necesarios  para  la  debida  formation  de  las  causas  y  el  pronunciamento 
del  fallo  que  corresponda. 

Parrafo  2.  La  organization  y  las  atribuciones  del  Tribunal  Militar 
Supremo  seran  reguladas  por  la  ley. 

Art.  78.  La  especificacion  de  las  garantias  y  derechos  expresados 
en  la  Constitution,  no  exclu37en  otras  garantias  y  derechos  no  enu- 
merados,  pero  que  son  resultantes  de  la  forma  de  Gobierno  que  ella 
establece  y  de  los  principios  que  consigna. 

TfTUIiO  V. 

DISPOSICIONES  GENERALES. 

Art.  79.  El  ciudadano  investido  con  las  funciones  de  cualquiera  de 
estos  tres  poderes  federates,  no  podra  ejercer  las  funciones  de  otro. 

Art.  80.  Se  podra  declarar  en  estado  de  sitio  cualquiera  parte  del 
territorio  de  la  Union,  y  suspender  asi  las  garantias  constitucionales 
por  un  tiempo  determinado,  cuando  lo  exija  la  seguridad  de  la  Eepu- 
blica en  caso  de  agresion  extranjera  6  de  conmocion  intestina.  (Art. 
34,  No.  21.) 

Parrafo  1.  No  habiendose  reunido  el  Congreso  y  corriendo  la  patria 
inminente  peligro,  ejercera  esa  atribucion  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  Federal. 
(Art.  48,  No.  15.) 

Parrafo  2.  Sin  embargo,  en  el  ejercicio  de  este  poder,  durante  el 
estado  de  sitio,  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  se  limitara,  respecto  a  las  personas, 
a  las  siguientes  medidas  de  represion: 

1.  A  su  detencion  en  un  lugar  que  no  este  destinado  a  los  reos  de 
delitos  comunes. 

2.  Al  destierro  a  otras  partes  6  lugares  del  territorio  nacional. 


188  THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 

Parrafo  3.  Tan  luego  como  se  reuna  el  Congreso,  el  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  dara  cuenta  a  dicho  cuerpo  de  las  medidas  excepcionales 
que  se  hubieren  tornado,  explicando  las  razones  tenidas  para  ello. 

Parrafo  4.  Las  autoridades  que  hayan  ordenado  tales  medidas,  seran 
responsables  de  los  abusos  cometidos  en  relacion  con  las  mismas. 

Art.  81.  Las  causas  criminates  terminadas  podran  ser  revistas  en 
cualquier  tiempo,  en  beneficio  de  los  condenados,  por  el  Tribunal 
Supremo  Federal,  a  fin  de  reformar  6  confirmar  la  sentencia. 

Parrafo  1.  La  ley  determinara  los  casos  y  la  forma  de  la  revision 
que  puede  ser  solicitada  por  el  sentenciado,  por  cualquiera  del  pueblo, 
o  de  oficio  por  el  Procurador-General  de  la  Republica. 

Parrafo  2.  En  dicha  revision  no  podran  ser  agravadas  las  penas 
irapuestas  por  la  sentencia  que  se  examina. 

Parrafo  3.  Los  preceptos  del  presente  articulo  se  hacen  extensivos 
a  los  procesos  militares. 

Art.  82.  Los  f  uncionarios  publicos  seran  estrictamente  responsables 
de  los  abusos  y  omisiones  en  que  incurrieren  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus 
respectivos  cargos,  asi  como  de  la  indulgencia  6  negligencia  que 
mostraren  con  sus  subalternos. 

Parrafo  unico.  Los  funcionarios  publicos  estaran  obligados  mediante 
una  promesa  formal,  que  haran  al  tomar  posesion  de  sus  cargos,  a 
desempenar  sus  deberes  legales. 

Art.  83.  Continuaran  vigentes,  mientras  nosean  revocadas,  las  leyes 
del  antiguo  regimen,  en  cuanto  no  sean  explicita  6  implicitamente  con- 
trarias  al  sistema  de  Gobierno  establecido  por  la  Constitution  y  los 
principios  en  ella  consagrados. 

Art.  84.  El  Gobierno  de  la  Union  garantiza  el  pago  de  la  deuda 
publica  interna  y  extranjera. 

Art.  85.  Los  oficiales  de  Marina  y  los  de  las  clases  anexas  a  esta, 
gozaran  de  las  mismas  prerrogativas  y  ventajas  que  los  del  Ejercito 
que  pertenezcan  a  la  misma  categoria. 

Art.  86.  Todo  Brasileno  esta  obligado  a  prestar  servicio  militar  en 
defensa  de  la  patria  y  de  la  Constitucion,  en  la  forma  prescrita  por 
las  leyes  federates. 

Art.  87.  El  Ejercito  federal  se  compondra  de  contingentes  que  los 
Estados  y  el  Distrito  Federal  estan  obligados  a  suministrar,  en  con- 
formidad  con  la  ley  anual  que  fija  el  niimero  de  las  fuerzas. 

Parrafo  1.  Una  ley  federal  determinara  la  organizacion  general  del 
Ejercito,  de  acuerdo  con  el  No.  18  del  articulo  34. 

Parrafo  2.  La  Union  se  encargara  de  la  instruccion  militar  superior. 

Parrafo  3.  Queda  abolido  el  reclutamiento  militar  forzado. 

Parrafo  4.  El  Ejercito  y  la  Armada  se  compondran  de  voluntarios, 
sin  premio,  y  en  caso  de  que  este  metodo  fracase,  se  efectuara  por 
sorteo  previamente  organizado. 

Contribuyen  al  personal  de  la  Marina,  mediante  sorteo,  la  Escuela 
Nautica,  las  de  Aprendices  de  Marineros  y  la  marina  mercante. 

Art.  88.  Los  Estados  Unidos  del  Brasil  en  ningiin  caso  se  empefia- 
ran  en  una  guerra  de  conquista  directa  6  indirectamente,  por  si  6  en 
alianza  con  otra  nacion. 

Art.  89.  Se  instituira  un  Tribunal  de  Cuentas  para  liquidar  las 
de  los  ingresos  y  egresos,  y  comprobar  su  legalidad,  antes  de  ser  pre- 
sentadas  al  Congreso. 

Los  miembros  de  este  Tribunal  seran  nombrados  por  el  Presidente  de 


CONSTITUCION.  189 

la  Republica,  con  la  aprobacion  del  Senado,  y  solamente  perderan  su 
cargo  por  virtud  de  una  sentencia  judicial. 

Art.  90.  La  Constitucion  podra  ser  enmendada  6  reformada  por 
iniciativa  del  Congreso  Nacional  6  de  las  Asambleas  de  los  Estados. 

Parrafo  1.  Se  considerara  propuesta  una  ref orma  6  enmienda  cuando, 
habiendo  sido  presentada  por  una  cuarta  parte,  por  lo  menos,  de  los 
miembros  de  cualquiera  de  las  Camaras,  hubiere  sido  aceptada  en  tres 
discusiones  por  dos  tercios  de  los  votos  en  ambas  Camaras  del  Con- 
greso, 6  cuando  haya  sido  solicitada  por  dos  tercios  de  los  Estados  en 
el  transcurso  de  un  ano,  estando  representado  cada  Estado  por  una 
mayoria  de  los  votos  de  su  Asamblea. 

Parrafo  2.  Dicha  propuesta  de  enmienda  se  dara  por  aprobada  si  el 
ano  siguiente,  despues  de  tres  discusiones,  fuese  adoptada  por  una 
mayoria  de  dos  tercios  de  los  votos  de  las  dos  Camaras  del  Congreso. 

Parrafo  3.  La  enmienda  aprobada  se  publicara  con  las  firmas  de 
los  Presidentes  y  Secretarios  de  las  dos  Camaras,  y  se  incorporara  en 
la  Constitucion  como  parte  integrante  de  ella. 

Parrafo  4.  No  podra  ser  admitido  con  objeto  de  someterse  a  la  delibe- 
racion  del  Congreso  ningun  proyecto  que  propenda  a  abolir  la  forma 
republicana  federal,  6  la  igualdad  de  representacion  de  los  Estados  en 
el  Senado. 

Art.  91.  Aprobada  esta  Constitucion,  sera  promulgada  por  el  Presi- 
dente  del  Congreso  y  firmada  por  los  miembros  de  este. 

DISPOSICIONES    TRANSITORIAS. 

Art^culo  1.  Promulgada  esta  Constitucion,  el  Congreso,  reunido  en 
sesion  general,  elegira  en  seguida,  el  Presidente  y  Vice-Presidente  de 
los  Estados  Unidos  del  Brasil,  por  mayoria  absoluta  de  votos,  en  la 
primera  votacion,  y  si  ningun  candidato  obtuviere  dicha  nmyoria, 
efectuara  la  eleccion,  mediante  una  mayoria  relativa,  en  la  segunda 
votacion. 

Parrafo  1.  Dicha  eleccion  se  efectuara  en  dos  escrutinios  distintos 
para  Presidente  y  Vice-Presidente,  respectivamente,  recibiendose  y 
contandose  primero  los  votos  para  el  Presidente,  y  procediendose  en 
seguida  del  mismo  modo  para  los  del  Vice-Presidente. 

Parrafo  2.  El  Presidente  y  el  Vice-Presidente  que  asi  se  elijan, 
ocuparan  la  Presidencia  y  la  Vice-Presidencia  de  la  Republica  durante 
el  primer  termino  presidencial. 

Parrafo  3.  Para  dicha  eleccion  no  se  admitira  ninguna  incompati- 
bilidad. 

Parrafo  4.  Concluida  la  eleccion,  el  Congreso  dara  por  terminada 
su  mision  constituyente  y,  separandose  en  Camara  y  Senado,  entrara  en 
el  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones  normales  el  quince  de  Junio  del  corriente 
ano,  no  pudiendo  disolverse  por  ningun  pretexto. 

Parrafo  5.  Durante  el  primer  ano  de  la  primera  legislatura,  y  en  sus 
trabajos  preliminares,  el  Senado  designara  los  miembros  del  primero 
y  segundo  tercios  de  su  personal,  que  han  de  cesar  a  fin  del  primero  y 
segundo  trienios. 

Parrafo  6.  Esta  division  se  efectuara  en  tres  listas,  correspondientes 
a  los  tres  tercios  del  Senado,  graduandose  los  Senadores  de  cada  Estado 
y  los  del  Distrito  Federal,  segun  el  orden  de  su  votacion  respectiva,  de 
manera  que  se  distribuya  primero  el  tercio  del  ultimo  trienio  votado 


190  THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    BRAZIL. 

del  Distrito  Federal  y  de  cada  uno  de  los  Estados,  y  los  dos  tercios 
siguientes  en  los  otros  dos,  segun  el  niimero  relativo  de  votos  obtenidos. 

Parrafo  7.  En  caso  de  empate,  se  consideraran  favorecidos  los  de 
mas  edad,  decidiendose  el  punto  por  sorteo,  cuando  las  edades  fueren 
iguales. 

Art.  2.  El  Estado  que  a  fin  del  ano  de  mil  ochocientos  noventa  y 
dos  no  hubiere  decretado  su  Constitucion,  sera  sometido  por  lej^  del 
Congreso,  a  la  de  aquella  de  los  otros  Estados  que  se  considere  mas 
adaptable,  hasta  que  el  Estado  sujeto  a  ese  regimen  la  enmiende  6 
reforme  por  el  procedimiento  en  ella  determinado. 

Art.  3.  A  medida  que  los  Estados  sevayan  organizando,  el  Gobierno 
Federal  les  entregara  la  administration  de  los  servicios  que  por  la  Cons- 
titucion les  corresponden,  y  liquidara  la  responsabilidad  de  la  admi- 
nistracion federal  en  todo  lo  tocante  a  dichos  servicios  y  al  pago  del 
personal  respectivo. 

Art.  4.  Mientras  los  Estados  se  ocupen  en  regular  sus  gastos  durante 
el  periodo  de  organ  izacion  de  sus  servicios,  el  Gobierno  Federal  les 
abrira  creditos  especiales  con  tal  fin,  con  arreglo  a  las  condiciones 
establecidas  por  la  ley. 

Art.  5.  En  los  Estados  que  se  fueren  organizando  se  declarara  vigente 
la  clasificacion  de  las  rentas  establecidas  en  la  Constitucion. 

Art.  6.  En  los  primeros  nombramientos  para  Magistrados  federa- 
les  y  de  los  Estados,  seran  preferidos  los  jueces  instruidos  en  el  Dere- 
cho,  y  los  jueces  inferiores  de  mas  nota. 

Los  jueces  que  no  fueren  admitidos  en  la  nueva  organizacion  judicial 
y  que  tuvieren  mas  de  treinta  anos  de  servicio,  seran  jubilados  con  su 
paga  completa. 

Los  que  tuvieren  menos  de  treinta  anos  de  servicio,  continuaran  per- 
cibiendo  su  sueldo,  hasta  que  sean  empleados  6  jubilados  con  el  sueldo 
correspondiente  a  su  tiempo  de  servicio. 

Los  gastos  de  los  Magistrados  jubilados  6  de  los  puestos  disponi- 
bles,  los  pagara  el  Gobierno  Federal. 

Art.  7.  Se  le  concedera  a  Don  Pedro  de  Alcantara,  ex-Empera- 
dor  del  Brasil,  una  pension  que,  a  contar  del  quince  de  Noviembre  de 
mil  ochocientos  ochenta  y  nueva,  le  garantice  durante  el  resto  de  su 
vida,  una  subsistencia  decente.  El  Congreso,  en  su  primera  sesion 
ordinaria,  fijara  el  monto  de  esta  pension. 

Art.  8.  El  Gobierno  Federal  adquirira  para  la  Nacion,  la  casa  en  que 
fallecio  el  Doctor  Don  Benjamin  Constant  Botelho  de  Magalhaes, 
y  en  ella  mandara  colocar  una  lapida  en  homenaje  a  la  memoria  del 
gran  patriota,  f  undador  de  la  Republica. 

Parrafo  unico.  La  viuda  del  expresado  Doctor  Don  Benjamin  Con- 
stant disfrutara,  mientras  viva,  el  usufructo  de  la  mencionada  casa. 

Por  tanto,  ordenamos  a  todas  las  autoridades  a  quienes  corresponde 
conocer  y  ejecutar  esta  Constitucion,  que  ejecuten  y  hagan  ejecutar  y 
observar  fiel  y  enteramente  los  preceptos  que  ella  contiene. 

Publiquese  y  cumplase  en  todo  el  territorio  de  la  nacion. 

Sala  de  las  sesiones  del  Congreso  Nacional  Constitucional,  en  la  ciu- 
dad  de  Rio  de  Janeiro,  el  dia  veinticuatro  de  Febrero  de  mil  ochocien- 
tos noventa  y  uno,  y  el  tercero  de  la  Republica. 


THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  VENEZUELA. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES. 

On  the  5th  of  July,  1811,  the  "representatives  of  the  United  Prov- 
inces of  Caracas,  Cumana,  Barinas,  Margarita,  Barcelona,  Merida,  and 
Trujillo,  forming  the  American  Confederation  of  Venezuela,  in  the 
Southern  Continent,  in  Congress  assembled,"  declared  that  said  United 
Provinces  were  and  ought  to  be  from  that  day,  de  jure  and  de  facto, 
free  and  independent  States,  and  that  they  were  absolved  from  all 
allegiance  to  the  Crown  of  Spain. 

On  the  21st  of  December  following,  the  said  Congress  framed  a 
Constitution,  of  federal  character,  for  "the  United  States  of  Venez- 
uela," by  which  the  Executive  Power  was  vested  in  a  triumvirate, 
directly  elected  by  the  people — the  Legislative  in  a  General  Congress, 
consisting  of  a  Senate  and  a  House  of  Representatives — and  the  Judi- 
cial in  a  Supreme  Court  and  various  inferior  courts.    (See  Appendix  2.) 

On  the  17th  of  December,  1819,  Venezuela  became  a  member  of 
the  "Republic  of  Colombia,"  usually  called  "the  great  Colombia,"  as 
organized  by  the  "Fundamental  law  of  the  Republic  of  Colombia," 
promulgated  on  that  date  at  Santo  Tomas  de  la  Angostura.  (See 
Appendix  3.)  This  instrument  was  ratified  by  the  "Fundamental  law 
of  the  Union  of  the  people  of  Colombia,"  promulgated  at  Rosario  de 
Cucuta  on  the  12th  of  July,  1821.     (See  Appendix  4.) 

The  first  Constitution  of  Colombia,  promulgated  October  6,  1821, 
divided  the  great  Republic  into  two  parts:  The  Viceroy alty  of  New 
Granada  and  the  Captaincy  General  of  Venezuela.    (See  Appendix  5.) 

Ten  years  thereafter,  on  the  disruption  of  the  Republic  of  Colombia, 
and  its  division  into  three  independent  Republics — namely,  Venezuela, 
New  Granada,  and  Ecuador — Venezuela  promulgated  its  own  Consti- 
tution on  September  22,  1830. 

Since  that  date  it  has  had  eight  Constitutions,  promulgated,  respec- 
tively, on  April  18,  1857;  December  31,  1858;  April  22,  1864;  May 
27,1874;  April  27,  1881;  June  21,  1893;  March  26,  1901,  and  April 
27,  1904. 

Spain  did  not  recognize  the  independence  of  Venezuela  until  the 
26th  of  March,  1845. 


LIST   OF  IMPORTANT  BOOKS  TO  BE  CONSULTED  IN  REFERENCE  TO  THE 
CONSTITUTIONS  OF  VENEZUELA. 

Gil  Fortoul  (Jose).     Filosofia  Constitutional,  Paris,  1900. 

Seijas  (Rafael  F.).     El  Presidente.     Caracas. 

Calcano  (Eduardo).    Manual  de  la  Constitution  para  el  uso  de  las  Escuelas  Prima- 

rias.     Caracas. 
Bruzual  Serra  (Claudio).     La  Enmienda  Constitutional.     Caracas. 
Leon  (Carlos).     La  Libertad  Polftica  del  Ciudadano.     Parfs. 
Terrero  Atienza  (Santiago).     Estudios  Constitucionales.     Caracas. 
Sanojo  (Luis).     Derecho  Constitutional.     Caracas. 
Arosemena  (Justo).     Estudios  constitucionales  sobre  los  Gobiernos  de  la  America 

latina.    Parfs,  1878. 

191 


CONSTITUTION. 

(April  27,  1904.) 


El  Congreso  Constituyente  de 
los  Estados  Unidos  de  Venezuela, 
en  el  nombre  de  Dios  Todopo- 
deroso  y  por  autoridad  de  los 
pueblos  de  Venezuela,  decreta  la 
siguiente  Constitution: 

TITULO  I. 

DE  LA  NACION  Y  SU  TERRITORIO. 

ArtIcdlo  1.  El  territorio  de 
los  Estados  Unidos  de  Venezuela, 
es  el  mismo  que  en  el  ano  de  1810 
correspondia  a  la  Capitania  Gene- 
ral de  Venezuela,  con  las  modifi- 
caciones  que  resulten  de  tratados 
publicos. 

Art.  2.  El  territorio  de  los  Es- 
tados Unidos  de  Venezuela  se  di- 
vide en  Distritos  y  Territorios  Fe- 
derales,  con  los  limites  y  denomi- 
naciones  establecidos  en  las  leyes 
de  los  Estados  sobre  division  terri- 
torial, y  en  las  que  organizen  los 
Territorios. 

Art.  3.  Los  distritos  que  com- 
ponen  la  Federation  Venezolana, 
y  que  son  sus  partes  constitutivas, 
se  reunen  para  formal*  los  Estados 
Aragua,  Bermudez,  Bolivar,  Ca- 
rabobo,  Falcon.  Guarico,  Lara, 
Me>ida,  Miranda,  Tachira,  Tru- 
jillo,  Zamora  y  Zulia. 

1°.  El  Estado  Aragua  se  com- 
pondra  de  los  Distritos:  Bruzual, 
Girardot,  Marino,  Ricaurte,  Ros- 
cio,  San  Casimiro,  San  Sebastian, 
Urdaneta  y  Zamora. 

El  Estado  Bermudez  se  compon- 
dra  de  los  Distritos:  Acosta,  Ara- 

192 


The  Constitutional  Congress  of 
the  United  States  of  Venezuela,  in 
the  name  of  Almighty  God  and  by 
authority  of  the  people  of  Vene- 
zuela, decrees  the  following  Con- 
stitution: 

TITLE  I. 

THE  NATION  AND  ITS  TERRITORY. 

Article  1.  The  territory  of  the 
United  States  of  Venezuela  is  the 
same  which  in  the  year  1810  cor- 
responded to  the  Captaincy  Gen- 
eral of  Venezuela,  with  the  modi- 
fications resulting  from  subsequent 
public  treaties. 

Art.  2.  The  territory  of  the 
United  States  of  Venezuela  is  di- 
vided into  Federal  Districts  and 
Territories,  each  one  with  the  limits 
and  names  established  by  the  re- 
spective State  laws  on  territorial 
division  and  by  the  laws  organizing 
the  Territories. 

Art.  3.  The  Districts  constitut- 
ing the  Venezuelan  Federation 
shall  be  so  grouped  as  to  form  the 
States  of  Aragua,  Bermudez,  Boli- 
var, Carabobo,  Falcon,  Guarico, 
Lara,  M6rida,  Miranda,  Tachira, 
Trujillo,  Zamora,  and  Zulia. 

1.  The  State  of  Aragua  shall 
consist  of  the  following  Districts: 
Bruzual,  Girardot,  Marino,  Ri- 
caurte, Roscio,  San  Casimiro,  San 
Sebastian,  Urdaneta,  and  Zamora. 

The  State  of  Bermudez  shall  con- 
sist   of  the   following    Districts: 


CONSTITUTION. 


193 


gua,  Arisrnendi,  Benitez,  Bermii- 
dez,  Bolivar,  Bruzual,  Cajigal, 
Cedeno,  Freytes,  Libertad,  Mejias, 
Monagas,  Montes,  Penalver,  Piar, 
Rivero,  Sucre  y  Zaraza. 

El  Estado  Bolivar  se  compon- 
dra de  los  Distritos:  Cedeno,  Heres, 
Independencia,  Miranda,  Sotillo, 
Sucre  y  Tadeo  Monagas. 

El  Estado  Carabobo  se  compon- 
dra de  los  Distritos:  Bejuma,  Fal- 
con, Guacara,  Montalban,  Nirgua, 
Ocumare,  Puerto  Cabello  y  Va- 
lencia. 

El  Estado  Falcon  se  compondra 
de  los  Distritos  Acosta,  Bolivar, 
Buchivacoa,  Colina,  Democracia, 
Falcon,  Federacion ,  Miranda,  Petit, 
Urdaneta  y  Zamora.    • 

El  Estado  Guarico  se  compon- 
dra de  los  Distritos  Achaguas,  In- 
fante, Miranda  con  el  municipio 
"El  Calvario,"  Munoz  y  San  Fer- 
nando. 

El  Estado  Lara  se  compondra  de 
los  Distritos  Barquisimeto,  Bru- 
zual, Cabudare,  Crespo,  Quibor, 
San  Felipe,  Silva,  Sucre,  Tocuyo, 
Torres,  Urachiche  y  Yaritagua. 

El  Estado  Merida  se  compondra 
de  los  Distritos  Campo-Elias,  Li- 
bertador,  Miranda,  Pedraza,  Ran- 
gel,  Rivas  Davila,Sucre,Torondoy 
y  Tovar. 

El  Estado  Miranda  se  compon- 
dra de  los  Distritos  Ace  vedo,  Brion , 
Lander,  Monagas,  Paez,  Paz  Cas- 
tillo, ?laza,  Urdaneta  y  Zamora. 

El  Estado  Tachira  se  compondra 
de  los  Distritos  Ay acucho,  Bolivar, 
Cardenas,  Castro,  Junin,  La  Grita, 
Lobatera,  Paez  con  el  municipio 
Elorza,  San  Cristobal  j  Uribante. 

El  Estado  Trujillo  se  compondra 
de  los  Distritos  Betijoque,  Bocono, 
Carache,  Escuque,  Trujillo,  Ur- 
daneta y  Valera. 


Acosta,  Aragua,  Arisrnendi,  Beni- 
tez, Bermudez,  Bolivar,  Bruzual, 
Cajigal,  Cedeno,  Freytes,  Liber- 
tad, Mejias,  Monagas,  Montes, 
Penalver,  Piar,  Rivero,  Sucre, 
and  Zaraza. 

The  State  of  Bolivar  shall  con- 
sist of  the  following  Districts: 
Cedeno,  Heres,  Independencia, 
Miranda,  Sotillo,  Sucre,  and  Tadeo 
Monagas. 

The  State  of  Carabobo  shall 
consist  of  the  following  Districts: 
Bejuma,  Falcon,  Guacara,  Montal- 
ban, Nirgua,  Ocumare,  Puerto 
Cabello,  and  Valencia. 

The  State  of  Falcon  shall  consist 
of  the  following  Districts:  Acosta, 
Bolivar,  Buchivacoa,  Colina,  De- 
mocracia, Falcon,  Federacion,  Mi- 
randa, Petit,  Urdaneta,  and  Za- 
mora. 

The  State  of  Guarico  shall  con- 
sist of  the  following  Districts: 
Achaguas,  Infante,  Miranda  with 
the  municipality  of  El  Calvario, 
Munoz,  and  San  Fernando. 

The  State  of  Lara  shall  consist  of 
the  following  Districts:  Barquisi- 
meto, Bruzual,  Cabudare,  Crespo, 
Quibor,  San  Felipe,  Silva,  Sucre, 
Tocuyo,  Torres,  Urachiche,  and 
Yaritagua. 

The  State  of  Merida  shall  consist 
of  the  following  Districts:  Campo- 
Elias,  Libertador,  Miranda,  Pe- 
draza, Rangel,  Rivas  Davila,  Sucre, 
Torondoy,  and  Tovar. 

The  State  of  Miranda  shall  con- 
sist of  the  following  Districts:  Ace- 
vedo,  Brion,  Lander,  Monagas, 
Paez,  Paz  Castillo,  Plaza,  Urda- 
neta, and  Zamora. 

The  State  of  Tachira  shall  con- 
sist of  the  following  Districts :  Aya- 
cucho,  Bolivar,  Cardenas,  Castro, 
Junin,  La  Grita,  Lobatera,  Paez 
with  the  municipality  of  Elorza, 
San  Cristobal,  and  Uribante. 

The  State  of  Trujillo  shall  con- 
sist of  the  folio  wing  Districts :  Beti- 
joque, Bocono,  Carache,  Escuque, 
Trujillo,  Urdaneta,  and  Valera. 


360a— vol  1—06- 


-13 


194 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


El  Estado  Zamora  se  compondra 
de  los  Distritos  Acarigua,  Anzoa- 
tegui,  Araure,  Arismendi,Barinas, 
Bolivar,  Esteller,  Girardot,  Gua- 
nare,  Guanarito,  Obispos,  Ospino, 
Pao,  Ricaurte,  Rojas,  San  Carlos, 
Sosa,  Tinaco  }T  Turen. 

El  Estado  Zulia  se  compondra 
de  los  Distritos  Bolivar,  Colon 
Mara,  Maracaibo,  Miranda,  Paez, 
Perija,  Sucre  y  Urdaneta. 

2°.  Lascontroversiaspendientes 
entre  los  Estados  Tachira,  Merida 
y  Trujillo  con  el  del  Zulia,  entre 
los  de  Aragua  y  Carabobo,  y  cua- 
lesquiera  otras  que  existan  entre 
los  Estados  por  razon  de  sus  limites 
generales,  seran  resueltas  por  el 
Tribunal  de  que  trata  el  articulo 
126  de  esta  Constitucion. 

Art.  1.  Los  Territorios  Fede- 
rales,  que  seran  organizados  por 
leyes  especiales,  son:  Amazonas, 
Cristobal  Colon,  Colon,  Delta- 
Amacuro  y  Yuruari. 

Parrafo  finico.  Los  Territorios 
Federales  pueden  optar  a  la  cate- 
goria  de  Estado,  siempre  que  reu- 
nan  las  condiciones  siguientes: 

la.  Tener,  por  lo  menos,  cien 
mil  habitantes. 

2\  Comprobar  ante  el  Congreso 
que  estan  en  capacidad  de  atender 
al  servicio  publico  en  todos  sus 
ramos  y  de  cubrir  los  gastos  que 
6ste  requiera. 

Art.  5.  El  Distrito  Federal, 
que  sera  organizado  por  ley  espe- 
cial, se  compondra  de  los  Departa- 
mentos  Libertador,  Vargas,  Guai- 
caipuro  y  Sucre,  y  de  la  isla  de 
Margarita. 

Parrafo  unico.  El  asiento  de  los 
Poderes  Generales  de  la  Nacion  es 
el  Departamento  Libertador  del 
Distrito  Federal;  pero  el  Poder 
Ejecutivo  podra  tijar  su  residencia 
transitoria  en  cualquier  otro  punto 
del  dicho  Distrito,  cuando  alguna 
circunstancia  imprevista  asi  lo 
requiera. 


The  State  of  Zamora  shall  con- 
sist of  the  following  Districts: 
Acarigua,  Anzoategui,  Araure, 
Arismendi,  Barinas,  Bolivar,  Es- 
teller, Girardot,  Guanare,  Guana- 
rito, Obispos,  Ospino,  Pao,  Ri- 
caurte, Roias,  San  Carlos,  Sosa, 
Tinaco,  ana  Turen. 

The  State  of  Zulia  shall  consist 
of  the  following  Districts :  Bolivar, 
Colon,  Mara,  Maracaibo,  Miranda, 
Paez,  Perija,  Sucre,  and  Urdaneta. 

2.  The  controversies  pending  be- 
tween the  States  of  Tachira,  Me- 
rida, and  Trujillo,  and  that  of  Zulia 
and  between  the  State  of  Aragua 
and  that  of  Carabobo,  as  well  as 
any  other  difference  between  the 
States  on  account  of  their  respec- 
tive boundaries,  shall  be  decided 
b}7  the  tribunal  referred  to  in  art- 
icle 126  of  this  Constitution. 

Art.  4.  The  Federal  Territories, 
which  shall  be  organized  by  special 
laws,  are  the  following:  Amazonas, 
Cristobal  Colon,  Colon,  Delta- 
Amacuro,  and  Yuruari. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  Federal 
Territories  shall  have  the  right  to 
ask  to  be  admitted  to  the  rank  of 
States  upon  proof  of  the  follow- 
ing circumstances: 

1.  That  their  population  is  at 
least  one  hundred  thousand  inhab- 
itants. 

2.  That  they  are  able  to  attend 
to  the  public  service  in  all  its 
branches  and  to  meet  the  expenses 
which  it  requires. 

Art.  5.  The  Federal  District, 
which  shall  be  organized  by  a 
special  law,  shall  consist  of  the 
departments  of  Libertador,  Var- 
gas, Guaicaipuro,  and  Sucre,  and 
the  island  of  Margarita. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  seat  of  the 
Federal  Government  shall  be  the 
Department  of  Libertador  in  the 
Federal  District;  but  the  Ex- 
ecutive power  may  establish  its 
temporary  residence  in  any  other 
part  of  said  District  when  required 
by  any  unforeseen  circumstance. 


CONSTITUTION. 


195 


Art.  6.  El  territorio  de  la 
Nacion  no  puedc  ser  enajenado  de 
modo  alguno  a  Potencia  extran- 
iera. 

TITUXO  II. 

DE  LAS  BASES  DE  LA  UNl6N. 

Akt.  7.  Los  Estados  que  for- 
man  la  Union  Venezolana  son  au- 
tonomos  e  iguales  en  entidad  po- 
litica,  conservan  en  toda  su  pleni- 
tud  la  soberania  no  delegada  en  esta 
Constitucion,  y  se  obligan: 

1°.  A  organizarse  conforme  a 
los  principios  de  gobierno  popular, 
electivo,  federal,  representative, 
alternativo  y  responsable,  y  a  dic- 
tar,  para  establecer  las  reglas  de 
su  regimen  y  gobierno  interior, 
sus  Constituciones,  de  conf  ormidad 
con  los  principios  de  este  Pacto 
Fundamental. 

2°.  A  cumplir  y  hacer  que  se 
cumplan  y  ejecuten  la  Constitucion 
y  las  leyes  de  la  Union  y  los  De- 
cretos,  ordenes  y  resoluciones  (que 
los  Poderes  Nacionales  expidieren 
en  uso  de  sus  atribuciones  y  f  acul- 
tades  legales. 

3°.  A  reconocer,  en  sus  respec- 
tivas  Constituciones,  la  autonomia 
municipal  de  los  Distritos  y  su  in- 
dependenciadel  Poder  Politico  del 
Estado,  en  todo  lo  concerniente  a 
su  regimen  economico  y  adminis- 
trativo;  y,  en  consecuencia,  los 
Distritos  podran  establecer  su  sis- 
tema  rentistico,  sujetandose  a  las 
disposiciones  que  contienen  las 
Bases  de  la  Union  Nos.  10,  11, 
12  y  13. 

En  los  casos  de  guerra  exterior 
6  interior,  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  del 
Estado  asumira  tambien  la  admi- 
nistracion  de  los  Distritos  de  su 
jurisdiction  en  lo  economico  y  ren- 
tistico, con  el  voto  de  su  Asamblea 
Legislativa,  y  si  esta  no  se  encon- 
trare  reunida,  con  el  de  su  Corte 
Suprema. 

4°.  Xdefenderse  contra  toda  vio- 
lencia  que  dane  su  independencia 
6  la  integridad  de  la  Nacion. 


Art.  6.  The  territory  of  the 
nation  can  not  be  alienated  in  smy 
way  to  any  foreign  power. 

TITLE  II. 

BASES  OF  THE  UNION. 

Art.  7.  The  States  composing 
the  Venezuelan  Union  are  autono- 
mous and  politically  equal;  they 
shall  preserve  in  all  its  plenitude 
the  sovereignty  not  delegated  in 
this  Constitution,  and  bind  them- 
selves: 

1.  To  organize  their  own  Gov- 
ernments, in  such  a  way  as  to  make 
them  popular,  elective,  Federal, 
representative,  alternative,  and 
responsible,  and  to  frame  their  re- 
spective Constitutions  in  accord- 
ance with  the  principles  of  this 
fundamental  compact. 

2.  To  comply  and  cause  others 
to  comply  with  the  Constitution 
and  laws  of  the  Union  and  the 
decrees,  orders,  and  resolutions 
issued  by  the  National  authorities 
in  use  of  their  legal  rights  and 
powers. 

3.  To  acknowledge  in  their  re- 
spective Constitutions  the  munici- 
pal autonomy  of  the  Districts,  and 
their  independence  of  the  political 
power  of  the  State,  in  everything 
relative  to  economic  and  executive 
matters;  and  consequently  the 
Districts  shall  have  the  power  to 
establish  their  own  revenue  system 
in  accordance  with  Nos.  10, 11,  12, 
and  13  of  the  Bases  of  the  Union. 

In  case  of  foreign  or  civil  war 
the  executive  power  of  the  States 
shallalso  assume  the  administra- 
tion of  the  Districts  under  their 
jurisdiction  in  revenue  and  eco- 
nomical matters,  with  the  advice 
of  their  legislative  assembly,  and, 
if  the  latter  is  not  in  session,  with 
that  of  its  supreme  court. 

4.  To  defend  themselves  against 
any  aggression  which  may  endan- 
ger their  independence  or  the  in- 
tegrity of  the  Nation. 


196 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


5°.  A  no  enajenar  a  Potencia  ex- 
tranjera  parte  alguna  de  su  terri- 
torio,  ni  implorar  su  proteccion, 
ni  establecer  ni  cultivar  relaciones 
politieas  ni  diplomaticas  con  otras 
naciones. 

6°.  A  no  agregarse  ni  aliarse  a 
otra  nacion  ni  separarse  de  Vene- 
zuela. 

7°.  A  eeder  al  Gobierno  de  la 
Federacion  el  territorio  necesario 
para  erigir  fuertes,  muelles,  alma- 
cenes,  astilleros,  penitenciarias  y 
demas  obras  indispensables  a  la 
administracion  general. 

8°.  A  dejar  al  Gobierno  de  la 
Union  la  libre  administracion  de 
los  Territorios  Amazonas,  Cristo- 
bal Colon,  Delta-Amacuro  y  Yu- 
ruari,  los  cuales  podran  optar  a  la 
categoria  de  Estados  cuando  llenen 
las  condiciones  que  determina  el 
articulo  4  de  esta  Constitucion. 


9°.  A  reservar  al  Poder  Federal 
todajurisdiccionlegislativa3rejecu- 
tiva  concerniente  a  la  navegacion 
maritima,  costanera  y  fluvial  y  a 
los  muelles  y  caminos  nacionales, 
sin  que  pueda  restringirse  con 
impuestos  6  privilegios  la  navega- 
cion de  los  rios  y  demas  aguas  nave- 
gables  que  no  hayan  exigido  para 
ello  obras  especiales. 


Son  caminos  nacionales  los  que 
pasen  de  los  limites  de  un  Estado  y 
conduzcan  a  otro,  6  al  Distrito 
Federal  6  Territorios  Federales. 

10°.  Anoimponercontribuciones 
sobre  los  productos  nacionales  des- 
tinados  a  la  exportation. 

11°.  A  no  establecer  impuestos 
sobre  los  productos  extranjeros 
gravados  con  derechos  nacionales 
o  exentos  de  gravamen  por  la  le}7, 
ni  sobre  los  ganados,  productos, 
efectos  6  cualquiera  clase  de  mer- 
caderia  antes  de  of  recerse  en  ellos 
al  consumo. 

12°.  A  no  prohibir  el  consumo 
de  los  ganados,  articulos  y  demas 


5.  Not  to  alienate  any  portion 
of  their  territory  to  any  foreign 
power,  implore  foreign  protec- 
tion, or  establish  or  cultivate 
political  and  diplomatic  relations 
with  other  nations. 

6.  Not  to  annex  or  ally  them- 
selves to  any  other  nation  or  secede 
from  Venezuela. 

7.  To  cede  to  the  Government  of 
the  Federation  the  territory  neces- 
sary for  the  erection  of  forts, 
wharfs,  warehouses,  navy -yards, 
penitentiaries,  or  any  other  estab- 
lishments indispensable  for  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  General  Gov- 
ernment. 

8.  To  leave  to  the  Government 
of  the  Union  the  free  administra- 
tion of  the  Territories  of  Ama- 
zonas, Cristobal  Colon,  Colon, 
Delta-Amacuro,  and  Yuruari;  said 
Territories  to  have  the  right  of  ask- 
ing to  be  admitted  as  States  upon 
fulfillment  of  the  conditions  re- 
quired by  article  4  of  this  Con- 
stitution. 

9.  To  reserve  to  the  Federal 
Government  full  jurisdiction,  leg- 
islative as  well  as  executive,  in 
matters  of  navigation,  whether 
maritime,  coastwise,  or  fluvial,  and 
of  wharfs  and  national  roads;  and 
the  navigation  of  rivers  and  other 
waters  shall  not  be  subject  to  the 
payment  of  dues  or  to  privileges, 
except  when  some  special  work 
has  been  required  to  expedite  said 
navigation. 

Roads  leading  from  a  State  to 
another,  or  from  a  State  to  the 
Federal  District  or  to  any  Federal 
Territories,  shall  be  national. 

10.  Not  to  levy  taxes  on  domestic 
products  intended  for  exportation. 

11.  Not  to  levy  taxes  upon  for- 
eign products  already  burdened 
by  national  duties  or  exempted  by 
law  from  duty,  or  upon  cattle, 
products,  effects,  or  articles  of 
merchandise  of  any  class  whatever 
before  being  offered  for  consump- 
tion. 

12.  Not  to  forbid  the  consump- 
tion of  cattle,  articles,  and  other 


CONSTITUTION. 


197 


producciones  de  otros  Estados,  ni 
a  gravar  su  consumo  con  impues- 
tos  mayores  6  menores  que  los 
que  paguen  sus  similares  de  la 
local  idad. 

13°.  A  no  establecer  Aduanas 
para  el  cobro  de  impuestos,  pues 
solamente  habra  las  nacionales. 

14°.  A  reservar  a  cada  Estado  el 
derecho  de  disponer  de  sus  pro- 
ductos  naturales  de  la  manera  es- 
tablecida  en  la  base  27  de  este 
articulo. 

1 5°.  A  dar  entera  f  e  y  hacer  que 
se  cumplan  y  ejecuten  los  actos 
publicos  y  de  procedimiento  judi- 
cial de  los  otros  Estados,  del  Dis- 
trito  Federal  y  Territories  Fede- 
rales. 

16°.  A  organizar  sus  Tribunales 
3^  Juzgados  para  la  administracion 
de  justicia,  y  a  tener  todos  una 
misma  legislacion  sustantiva  civil, 
mercantil  y  penal;  asi  como  la  de 
procedimiento. 

17°.  A  concur rir  a  la  formacion 
de  la  Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion 
de  la  manera  prescrita  por  esta 
Constitucion. 

18°.  A  someterse  a  las  decisiones 
de  la  Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion 
como  Tribunal  Supremo  Federal 
y  de  los  Estados. 

19°.  A  adoptar,  para  el  nombra- 
miento  de  los  miembros  de  los 
Concejos  Municipales,  Asambleas 
Legislativas  y  Camara  de  Dipu- 
tados,  el  voto  directo;  y  para  el 
de  sus  demas  funcionarios  de  elec- 
cion  popular  el  voto  indirecto  6  por 
delegacion;  debiendo  ser  secreto 
en  ambos  casos  y  tener  por  base 
el  censo  electoral,  segun  la  ley 
Federal  sobre  la  materia. 

20°.  A  reservar  a  la  Nacion  la 
facultad  de  legislar  sobre  instruc- 
cion  publica  superior.  Tanto  la 
Nacion  como  los  Estados  deben 
establecer  la  instruccion  primaria, 
gratuita  y  obligatoria,  y  la  de 
artes  y  oficios,  gratuita. 


products  of  other  States,  or  bur- 
den the  consumption  thereof  with 
heavier  or  lighter  taxes  than  those 
levied  on  similar  articles  of  the 
locality. 

13.  Not  to  establish  custom- 
houses for  the  collection  of  duties, 
as  all  the  custom-houses  shall  be 
national. 

14.  To  reserve  to  each  State  the 
right  to  dispose  of  its  natural  prod- 
ucts in  the  manner  established  by 
item  27  of  the  present  article. 

15.  To  give  entire  faith  and 
credit  to  the  public  acts  and  judicial 
proceedings  of  the  other  States,  the 
Federal  District  and  the  Fede- 
ral Territories,  and  cause  the  same 
to  be  complied  with  and  executed. 

16.  To  organize  their  own  tri- 
bunals and  courts,  and  cause  justice 
to  be  administered  according  to 
the  same  substantive  legislation  in 
civil,  commercial,and  criminal  mat- 
ters as  well  as  in  matters  of  pro- 
cedure. 

17.  To  concur  to  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  supreme  Federal  court 
in  the  manner  provided  for  by  this 
Constitution. 

18.  To  abide  by  the  decisions 
of  the  supreme  Federal  court  as 
supreme  court  of  the  Federation 
and  the  States. 

19.  To  adopt  the  system  of  di- 
rect vote  for  the  election  of  mem- 
bers of  the  municipal  councils, 
legislative  assemblies,  and  House 
of  Deputies,  and  that  of  indi- 
rect vote,  or  vote  through  dele- 
gation, for  the  election  of  other 
officials.  The  vote  shall  be  secret 
in  both  cases  and  based  on  the 
electoral  census,  according  to  the 
Federal  law  on  the  subject. 

20.  To  reserve  to  the  Nation  the 
right  to  legislate  on  superior  pub- 
lic instruction.  The  Nation  as 
well  as  the  States  shall  make  pri- 
mary education  gratuitous  and 
compulsory.  Instruction  in  arts 
and  trades  shall  be  gratuitous. 


198 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


21°.  A  no  imponcr  deberes  a  los 
empleados  nacionales  sino  en  cali- 
dad  de  ciudadanos  del  Estado,  y 
en  cuanto  esos  deberes  no  sean 
ineompatibles  con  el  servicio 
publico  nacional. 

22°.  A  dar  el  contingente  de- 
.sarmado  que  proporcionalmente 
les  corresponda  para  componer  la 
FuerzaPublica  Nacional,  conforme 
lo  determine  la  ley. 

23°.  A  no  permitir  en  su  territo- 
rio  enganches  6  levas  que  puedan 
tener  por  objeto  atacar  la  libertad 
6  independencia,  6  perturbar  el  or- 
den  publico  de  la  Nacion,  de  otros 
Estados  6  de  otra  nacion. 


24°.  A  no  declararse  ni  hacerse 
la  guerra  en  ningun  caso  y  £ 
guardar  estricta  neutralidad  en 
todas  las  contiendas  que  lleguen  a 
suscitarse  entre  otros  Estados. 

25°.  A  deferir  y  someterse  a  las 
decisiones  de  la  Corte  Federal  y 
de  Casacion,  como  Tribunal  Su- 
premo Federal,  en  todas  las  con- 
troversias  que  se  susciten  entre 
dos  6  mas  Estados,  cuando  no  pue- 
dan de  por  si  6  por  medios  pacifi- 
cos  Uegar  a  un  avenimiento.  Si 
por  cualquiera  causa,  en  el  caso  de 
optar  por  el  arbitramento,  no  de- 
signaren  el  arbitro  a  cuya  decision 
se  someten,  queda  de  hecho  some- 
tida  la  controversia  a  la  Corte 
Federal  y  de  Casacion.  Se  ex 
eeptuan  las  controversias  relativas 
a  limites,  las  cuales  seran  resueltas 
de  conformidad  con  los  articulos  3 
y  126  de  esta  Constitucion. 

26°.  A  reconocer  la  competencia 
de  la  Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion 
como  Tribunal  Supremo  de  los 
Estados,  para  conocer  de  las  causas 
que  por  traicion  a  la  Patria  6  por 
inf  raccion  de  la  Constitucion  o  de 
las  leyes  de  la  Union,  se  intenten 
contra  los  que  ejercen  la  primera 
Autoridad  Ejecutiva  de  los  Esta- 
dos, debiendo  consignar  este  pre- 
cepto  en  sus  Constituciones.  En 
estos  j  uicios  se  seguiran  lostramites 


21.  Not  to  impose  obligations 
upon  national  emplo}Tees,  except 
in  the  capacity  of  citizens  of  the 
State,  and  provided  that  these 
obligations  are  not  incompatible 
with  the  national  public  service. 

22.  To  furnish  the  disarmed  con- 
tingent proportional^  correspond- 
ing to  them  for  the  composition 
of  the  national  public  forces  as 
provided  by  law. 

23.  Not  to  permit  enlistments, 
or  impressments  into  military 
service,  to  be  made  in  their  terri- 
tories, having  for  their  object  an 
attack  on  liberty  or  independence, 
or  a  disturbance  of  the  public  order 
of  the  Nation,  or  of  other  States, 
or  of  another  Nation. 

24.  Not  to  engage  in  war  with 
each  other,  in  any  case,  and  ob- 
serve strict  neutrality  in  all  the 
controversies  that  may  arise  be- 
tween other  States. 

25.  To  abide  by  the  decisions  of 
the  supreme  Federal  court,  as  su- 
preme court  of  the  Union,  in  all 
controversies  that  may  arise  be- 
tween two  or  more  States,  when 
they  can  not,  by  themselves  and 
by  peaceful  means,  reach  an  agree- 
ment. If,  for  any  reason,  when 
resorting  to  arbitration,  they  fail 
to  designate  the  arbitrator  by 
whose  decision  they  shall  abide, 
it  shall  be  understood  by  this  fact 
that  the  controvers}T  is  referred 
for  settlement  to  the  supreme 
Federal  court.  Controversies  rel- 
ative to  boundaries  are  excepted 
and  shall  be  settled  according  to 
articles  3  and  126  of  this  Constitu- 
tion. 

26.  To  recognize  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  Federal  court,  as  su- 
preme tribunal  of  the  States,  in 
all  cases  and  causes  arising  out  of 
treason,  or  of  violation  of  the  Con- 
stitution and  laws  of  the  Union, 
instituted  against  officials  exercis- 
ing the  highest  executive  authority 
in  the  States,  it  being  their  duty  to 
include  this  provision  in  their  own 
constitutions.  These  trials  shall 
be  conducted  according  to  the  rules 


CONSTITUTION. 


199 


que  establezcan  las  leyes  generales 
y  se  decidiran  con  arreglo  a  ellas. 


27°.  A  tener  como  unica  renta 
propia: 

(1)  La  que  produzca  en  todas 
las  Ad 'aanas  de  la  Repiiblica  la 
contribucion  que  se  cobra  con  el 
nombre  de  Impuesto  Territorial. 

(2)  P^l  total  de  lo  que  produzcan 
las  minas,  los  terrenos  baldios  y 
lass  alinas. 

Esta  renta  se  distribuira  entre 
todos  los  Estados  proporcional- 
mente  al  numero  de  sus  habitantes; 
pero  para  este  efecto  se  fija  como 
minimum  para  un  Estado  la  canti- 
dad  que  corresponda  al  numero  de 
sesenta  mil  habitantes. 

(3)  La  cuota  parte  de  la  renta  de 
tabaco  y  de  aguardiente  que  les 
senale  la  ley,  y  la  cual  sera  distri- 
buida  proporcionalmente  en  razon 
de  la  produccion  y  consumo  de  los 
Estados. 

(4)  El  producto  de  los  impuestos 
sobre  sus  producciones  naturales. 

(5)  El  producto  del  papel  se- 
llado,  de  acuerdo  con  sus  respec- 
tivas  leyes. 

28°.  A  delegar  en  el  Congreso 
de  la  Union  la  facultad  de  crear  y 
organizar  la  renta  de  que  tratan 
los  niimeros  1,  2  y  3  de  la  Base  27 
que  precede. 

29°.  A  mantener  distantes  de  las 
fronteras  a  los  individuos  que  por 
motivos  politicos  se  asilen  en  un 
Estado,  siempre  que  el  Estado 
interesado  lo  solicite. 

TITULO  III. 

DE  LA  NACIONALIDAD. 

secci6n  i. 

De  los  venezolanos. 

Art.  8.  Los  venezolanos  lo  son 
por  nacimiento  6  por  naturaliza- 
cion. 


of  procedure  established  by  the 
general  laws,  and  the  decisions 
shall  be  rendered  in  conformity 
with  the  same. 

27.  To  consider  as  their  own 
only  revenue: 

(1)  The  proceeds  of  the  tax  col- 
lected in  all  the  custom-houses  of 
the  Republic  under  the  name  of 
territorial  tax. 

(2)  All  the  revenue  yielded  by 
mines,  public  lands,  and  salt  mines. 
This  revenue  shall  be  distributed 
proportionally  among  all  the  States 
according  to  the  number  of  their 
inhabitants,  to  which  effect  sixty 
thousand  inhabitants  is  established 
as  the  minimum  number  corres- 
ponding to  one  State. 

(3)  The  share  of  the  tobacco  and 
alcohol  revenue  which  the  law 
may  set  apart  in  their  favor,  said 
share  to  be  distributed  in  propor- 
tion to  the  production  and  con- 
sumption of  the  States. 

(4)  The  proceeds  of  taxation  on 
their  natural  products. 

(5)  Theyieldings  of  the  stamped 
paper  created  by  them  in  accord- 
ance with  their  own  laws. 

28.  To  delegate  to  the  Congress 
of  the  Union  the  power  to  levy 
and  collect  the  taxes  referred  to 
in  Nos.  1,  2,  and  3  of  the  forego- 
ing Base  27. 

29.  To  cause  political  refugees 
to  reside  at  a  certain  distance  from 
the  frontiers  when  so  requested  by 
the  interested  State. 


TITLE  III. 

NATIONALITY. 
SECTION  I. 

Venezuelans. 

Art.  8.  Venezuelans  are    such 
by  birth  or  naturalization. 


200 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


(a)  Son  venezolanos  por  naci- 
miento — 

1°.  Todas  las personas  que  hayan 
nacido  6  nacieren  en  el  territorio 
de  Venezuela. 

2°.  Los  hijos  de  padres  venezo- 
lanos, cualquiera  que  sea  el  lugar 
de  su  nacimiento. 

(b)  Son  venezolanos  por  natura- 
lizacion — 

1°.  Los  nacidos  6  que  nazcan  en 
las  Republicas  hispano-americanas, 
siempre  que  hayan  adquirido  do- 
micilio  en  la  Repiiblica  y  mani- 
festado  su  voluntad  de  ser  venezo- 
lanos. 

2°.  Losextranjerosquehubieren 
obtenido  carta  de  naturaleza  con- 
forme  a  las  leyes. 

3°.  Los  extranjeros  que  adquie- 
ran  el  caracter  de  venezolanos  en 
virtud  de  leyes  especiales. 

4°.  La  extranjera  casada  con 
venezolano  mientras  dure  el  vin- 
culo matrimonial,  debiendo,  para 
continual'  en  el  caracter  de  tal,  di- 
suelto  el  vinculo,  hacer  la  manifes- 
tacion  a  que  se  refiere  el  articulo 
siguiente,  dentro  del  primer  ano 
de  terminado  aquel. 


Art.  9°.  La  manifestacion  de 
voluntad  de  ser  venezolano  debe 
hacerse  ante  el  Registrador  Prin- 
cipal de  la  jurisdiccion  en  que  el 
manifestante  establezca  su  domi- 
cilio,  y  aquel  al  recibirla,  la  ex- 
tendera  en  el  protocolo  respectivo 
y  enviara  copia  de  ella  alEjecutivo 
Nacional  para  su  publicacion  en  la 
Gaceta  Oficial. 


Art.  10.  Son  electores  y  elegi- 
bles  los  venezolanos  mayores  de 
ventiun  anos,  con  solo  las  condi- 
ciones  expresadas  en  esta  Consti- 
tution y  en  las  leyes. 

Art.  11.  Tod os  los  venezolanos 
tienen  el  deber  de  servir  a  la  Na- 
tion conforme  lo  dispongan  las 
leyes. 


(a)  Venezuelans  by  birth  are: 

1.  All  persons  born  on  Vene- 
zuelan soil,  and 

2.  The  children  of  Venezuelan 
fathers  whatever  the  place  of  their 
birth  may  be. 

(b)  Venezuelans  by  naturaliza- 
tion are: 

1.  All  persons  born  in  the  Span- 
ish-American Republics,  provided 
that  the}7  have  acquired  domicile 
in  the  Republic  and  shown  their 
desire  to  become  Venezuelans. 

2.  Foreigners  who  have  obtained 
naturalization  papers  according  to 
the  laws. 

3.  Foreigners  who  become  Vene- 
zuelans by  virtue  of  special  laws. 

4.  Foreign  women  married  to 
Venezuelans,  as  long  as  the  matri- 
monial bond  is  in  existence;  but 
after  the  dissolution  of  the  mar- 
riage the  Venezuelan  nationality 
shall  not  be  retained  by  the  for- 
eign wife,  unless  she  makes,  with- 
in one  year  after  the  said  dissolu- 
tion, the  declaration  to  which  the 
following  article  refers. 

Art.  9.  The  declaration  of  the 
desire  to  become  a  Venezuelan 
shall  be  made  before  the  principal 
registrar  of  the  jurisdiction  in 
which  the  person  has  established 
his  residence,  and  the  said  regis- 
trar on  receiving  such  a  declara- 
tion shall  enter  it  in  the  respec- 
tive Book,  and  forward  a  cop}T 
thereof  to  the  National  Executive 
in  order  that  it  be  published  in  the 
Official  Gazette. 

Art.  10.  Venezuelans  over 
twenty-one  years  of  age  are  elect- 
ors and  eligible,  subject  to  no  other 
conditions  than  those  expressed  in 
this  Constitution  and  the  laws. 

Art.  11.  All  Venezuelans  are 
bound  to  serve  the  nation  as  pre- 
scribed by  law. 


CONSTITUTION. 


201 


Art.  12.  Los  venezolanos  goza- 
ran  en  todo  el  territorio  de  la 
Republica  de  iguales  derechos  y 
tend  ran  iguales  deberes,  sin  mas 
condiciones  que  las  establecidas 
en  esta  Constitucion. 

Art.  13.  La  ley  determinant  los 
derechos  y  deberes  de  los  extran- 
jeros. 

Art.  14.  Los  extranjeros,  si  to- 
maren  participacion  en  las  con- 
tiendas  politicas,  quedaran  some- 
tidos  a  las  mismas  responsabilida- 
des  que  los  venezolanos  y  a  lo 
dispuesto  en  la  atribucion  8a  del 
articulo  80. 

Art.  15.  En  ningun  caso  po- 
dran  pretender,  ni  los  nacionales 
ni  los  extranjeros,  que  la  Nacion  6 
los  Estados  les  indemnicen  danos, 
perjuicios  6  expropiaciones  que  no 
se  hayan  ejecutado  por  autoridades 
legitimas,  obrando  en  su  caracter 
publico. 

Art.  16.  El  Gobierno  de  Vene- 
zuela no  celebrara  tratados  con 
otras  Naciones  con  menoscabo  de 
los  principios  establecidos  en  los 
dos  articulos  anteriores. 


Art.  12.  Venezuelans  shall  have 
the  same  rights  and  duties  through- 
out the  whole  territory  of  the  Re- 
public, without  any  other  condi- 
tions than  those  established  in  this 
Constitution. 

Art.  13.  The  rights  and  duties 
of  foreigners  shall  be  determined 
by  law. 

Art.  14.  Foreigners,  if  taking 
part  in  the  political  disputes  of  the 
country,  shall  incur  the  same  re- 
sponsibilities as  Venezuelans,  and 
shall  be  subject  to  the  provisions 
of  item  8  of  article  80. 

Art.  15.  Neither  Venezuelans 
nor  foreigners  shall  have,  in  any 
case,  the  right  to  claim  indemnity 
from  the  Nation,  or  the  States,  for 
damages,  losses,  or  seizures  of 
property,  not  caused  by  lawful 
authorities  acting  in  their  public 
capacity. 

Art.  16.  The  Government  of 
Venezuela  shall  not  conclude 
treaties  with  other  nations  to  the 
detriment  of  the  principles  estab- 
lished in  the  two  preceding  articles. 


SECCION    II. 


SECTION    II. 


De  los  derechos  de  los  venezolanos. 

Art.  17.  La  Nacion  garantiza  a 
los  venezolanos: 

1°.  La  inviolabilidad  de  la  vida, 
quedando  abolida  la  pena  capital. 

2°.  La  propiedad  con  todos  sus 
atributos,  fuerosyprivilegios;  ella 
solo  estara  sujeta  a  las  contribu- 
ciones  decretadas  por  la  Autoridad 
Legislativa,  a  la  decision  judicial  y 
a  ser  tomada  para  obras  de  utilidad 
publica,  previos  indemnizacion  y 
]  uicio  contradictorio. 

3°.  La  inviolabilidad  de  la  corres- 
pondencia  y  demas  papeles  parti- 
culars, que  no  podran  ser  ocupa- 
dos  sino  por  disposicion  de  autori- 
dad publica  competente  y  con  las 
formalidades  que  establezcan  las 


The  rights  of  Venezuelans. 

Art.  17.  The  Nation  guarantees 
to  Venezuelans: 

1.  Inviolability  of  life,  capital 
punishment  being  abolished. 

2.  Enjoyment  of  property  with 
all  its  attributes  and  privileges. 
Propert}^  shall  only  be  subject  to 
taxes  levied  by  the  legislative  au- 
thoritj7,  to  decisions  of  the  courts, 
and  to  condemnation  for  public  use 
upon  previous  indemnification  and 
regular  proceedings. 

3.  Inviolability  of  correspond- 
ence and  private  papers,  which 
shall  not  be  taken  possession  of, 
except  \>y  order  of  competent  au- 
thority and  with  the  formalities 
established  by  law.     The  secrecy 


202 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


leyes;  pero  guardandose  siempreel 
secreto  respecto  de  lo  domestico  y 
privado. 

4°.  La  inviolabilidad  del  hogar 
domestico,  que  no  podra  ser  alla- 
nado  sino  para  impedir  la  perpe- 
tracion  de  un  delito,  ,y  esto  mismo 
ha  de  ejecutarse  con  arreglo  a  la 
ley. 

5°.  La  libertad  personal,  y  por 
ella: 

Priinero:  Queda  abolido  el  re- 
elutamiento  f  orzoso  para  el  servicio 
de  las  armas,  que  ha  de  prestarse 
conforme  lo  dlsponga  la  ley. 

Segundo:  Proscrita  para  siem- 
pre  la  esclavitud. 

Tercero:  Libres  los  esclavos  que 
pisen  el  territorio  de  Venezuela. 

Cuarto:  Todos  con  el  derecho  de 
hacer  6  ejecutar  lo  que  no  perjudi- 
que  a  otro. 

Quinto:  Nadie  esta  obligado  a 
hacer  lo  que  la  ley  no  mande,  ni  im- 
pedido  de  ejecutar  lo  que  ella  no 
prohibe. 

6°.  La  libertad  del  pensamiento 
expresado  de  palabra  6  por  medio 
de  la  prensa.  En  los  casos  de  ca- 
lumnia,  injuria  6  perjuicio  de  ter- 
cero, quedan  al  agraviado  expedi- 
tes sus  acciones  para  deducirlas 
ante  los  Tribunales  de  Justicia 
competentes,  conforme  a  las  leyes 
comunes. 

7°.  La  libertad  de  transitar  sin 
pasaporte  y  mudar  de  domicilio, 
observando  para  ello  las  formali- 
dades  legates. 

8°.  La  libertad  de  industria;  sin 
embargo,  la  ley  podra  asignar  un 
privilegio  temporal  a  los  autores 
de  descubrimientos  y  producciones 
y  a  los  que  implanten  una  industria 
inexplotada  en  el  pais. 

9°.  La  libertad  de  reunion  y  aso- 
ciacion  sin  armas,  publica  6  priva- 
damente,  sin  que  puedan  las  autori- 
dades  ejercer  acto  alguno  de 
coaccion. 

10°.  Lalibertaddepeticion:  esta 
podra  hacerse  ante  cualquier  f  un- 
cionario,  autoridad  6  corporation, 
los  cuales  estan  obligados  a  dar 


of  domestic  and  private   matters 
shall  always  be  respected. 

4.  Inviolability  of  domicile,  no 
one  being  allowed  to  enter  a  home, 
uninvited,  except  to  prevent  the 
perpetration  of  crime.  Even  in 
this  case  the  entering  has  to  be 
done  in  the  manner  and  form  pro- 
vided by  law. 

5.  Enjoyment  of  personal  lib- 
erty, and  therefore: 

(1)  Forcible  recruiting  for  mili- 
tary service  is  abolished,  said  serv- 
ice to  be  rendered  in  accordance 
with  the  provisions  of  the  law. 

(2)  Slavery  is  forever  forbidden. 

(3)  Slaves  treading  upon  Vene- 
zuelan soil  shall  be  free. 

(4)  All  shall  have  the  right  to 
do  all  that  does  not  injure  another 
person. 

(5)  Nobod}T  is  bound  to  do  what 
the  law  does  not  command,  or 
prevented  from  doing  what  it  does 
not  prohibit. 

6.  Freedom  of  thought  ex- 
pressed by  word  or  by  the  press. 
In  cases  of  libel  the  injured  party 
shall  have  the  right  to  call  the 
offenders  to  account  before  the 
competent  courts  according  to 
law. 


7.  Liberty  of  travelling  with- 
out passport  and  of  changing  their 
residence  on  observing  the  legal 
formalities. 

8.  Liberty  of  industry;  the  law, 
however,  may  grant  temporary 
privileges  to  authors  of  discov- 
eries and  new  products,  and  to 
those  who  establish  any  new  in- 
dustry in  the  country. 

9.  Freedom  of  reunion  and  as- 
sociation without  arms,  publicly 
or  privately,  without  the  authori- 
ties having  power  to  exercise  any 
act  of  coercion. 

10.  Freedom  of  petition.  Peti- 
tions may  be  addressed  to  any  f  unc- 
tionary,  authority,  or  corporation, 
and  shall  be  promptly  acted  upon. 


CONSTITXTTION. 


203 


pronta  resolucion.  Si  la  peticion 
f  uere  de  varios,  los  cinco  primeros 
responden  de  la  autenticidadde  las 
firmas,  y  todos  de  la  verdad  de  los 
hechos. 

11°.  La  libertad  del  sufragio, 
sin  mas  restricciones  que  las  estab- 
lecidas  por  esta  Constitucion  y  las 
leyes. 

12°.  La  libertad  de  ensefianza. 

13°.  La  libertad  religiosa  con 
arreglo  a  las  leyes  y  bajo  la  su- 
prema  inspeccion  del  Presidente 
de  la  Republica. 

14°.  La  seguridad  individual,  y 
por  ella : 

Primero.  Ningun  venezolano 
podra  ser  preso  ni  arrestado  en 
apremio  por  deudas  que  no  pro- 
vengan  de  f  raude  6  delito. 

Segundo.  Ni  ser  juzgado  por 
tribunales  6  comisiones  especiales, 
sino  por  sus  jueces  naturales,  y  en 
virtud  de  ley  preexistente. 

Tercero.  Niserpresoodetenido 
sin  que  preceda  informacion  su- 
maria  de  haberse  cometido  un 
delito  que  merezca  pena  corporal, 
y  orden  escrita  del  f  uncionario  que 
decrete  la  prision,  con  expresion 
del  motivo  que  la  cause,  a  menos 
que  sea  cogido  infragantl. 

Cuarto.  Ni  ser  incomunicado 
por  ninguna  razon  ni  pretexto. 

Quinto.  Ni  ser  obligado  a  pres- 
tar  juramento,  ni  a  sufrir  interro- 
gatorio  en  causa  criminal  contra 
si  mismo,  ni  contra  sus  parientes 
dentro  del  cuarto  grado  de  consan- 
guinidad  6  segundo  de  afinidad,  ni 
contra  el  eonyuge. 

Sexto.  Ni  continuar  en  prision 
si  se  destruyen  los  fundamentos 
que  la  motivaron. 

Septimo.  Ni  ser  condenado  a 
sufrir  pena  en  materia  criminal, 
sino  despues  de  citado  y  oido 
legalmente. 

Octavo.  Ni  ser  condenado  a 
pena  corporal  por  mas  de  quince 
anos. 


If  the  petition  is  made  by  several 
persons,  the  first  five  shall  answer 
for  the  authenticity  of  the  signa- 
tures, and  the  whole  number,  for 
the  truth  of  the  facts. 

1 1 .  Freedom  of  suffrage  without 
other  restrictions  than  those  estab- 
lished by  this  Constitution  and  the 
laws. 

12.  Freedom  of  teaching. 

13.  Religious  liberty  according 
to  the  laws  and  under  the  supreme 
inspection  of  the  President  of  the 
Republic. 

14.  Personal  safet}^,  and  there- 
fore: 

First.  No  Venezuelan  shall  be 
imprisoned  or  arrested  for  debts 
not  arising  out  of  fraud  or  criminal 
offense. 

Second.  Nor  shall  he  be  tried 
by  special  courts  or  commissions, 
but  by  ordinary  judges  and  accord- 
ing to  preexisting  laws. 

Third.  Nor  shall  he  be  impris- 
oned or  detained  except  upon  sum- 
mary investigation,  showing  that 
an  offense  deserving  corporal  pun- 
ishment has  been  committed,  and 
a  written  order  of  the  competent 
functionary  who,  except  in  case  of 
-flagrante  delicto  shall  set  forth  the 
reasons  of  the  imprisonment. 

Fourth.  Nor  shall  he  be  deprived 
of  communication  with  the  outside 
world,  for  any  reason  or  pretext. 

Fifth.  Nor  shall  he  be  compelled 
in  a  criminal  case  to  give  testimon3r 
against  himself,  or  against  his  rela- 
tives within  the  fourth  degree  of 
consanguinity  or  second  of  affinity, 
or  against  his  consort. 

Sixth.  Nor  shall  he  be  kept  in 
prison  if  the  grounds  upon  which 
the  arrest  was  decreed  are  de- 
stroyed. 

Seventh.  Nor  shall  he  be  con- 
demned to  suffer  punishment  in 
criminal  matters  except  after  hav- 
ing been  legally  tried  and  con- 
victed. 

Eighth.  Nor  shall  he  be  con- 
demned to  corporal  punishment 
for  over  fifteen  vears. 


204 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


15°  La  igualdad,  en  virtud  de 
la  cual: 

Primero.  Todos  deben  ser  juz- 
gados  por  unas  mismas  leyes  y 
sometidos  &  iguales  deberes,  ser- 
vicios  y  contribuciones. 

Segundo.  No  se  concederan  ti- 
tulos  de  nobleza,  honores  y  distin- 
ciones  hereditarios,  ni  empleos  u 
oficios  cuyos  sueldos  6  emolu- 
mentos  duren  mas  tiempo  que  el 
servicio. 

Tercero.  No  se  dara  otro  trata- 
miento  oficial  a  los  empleados  y 
corporaciones  que  el  de  "  Ciuda- 
dano"y  "Usted." 

Art.  18.  La  enumeracion  an- 
terior no  coarta  a  los  Estados  la 
facultad  de  acordar  a  sus  habi- 
tantes  otros  derechos. 

Art.  19.  Estos  derechos  6  ga- 
rantias  pueden  ser  suspendidos  en 
los  casos  y  con  las  formalidades 
que  determina  la  atribucion  8a, 
articulo  80,  de  esta  Constitucion. 

Art.  20.  Los  que  expidieren, 
f  uera  de  los  casos  senalados  en  la 
atribucion  8a,  articulo  80,  firmaren, 
ejecutaren  6  mandaren  ejecutar 
decretos,  ordenes  6  resoluciones 
que  violen  cualquiera  de  los  dere- 
chos garantizados  a  los  Venezola- 
nos,  son  culpables,  y  deben  ser 
castigados  conforme  lo  determina 
la  ley. 

Art.  21.  Los  derechos  recono- 
cidos  y  consagrados  en  los  articu- 
los  anteriores,  no  seran  menosca- 
bados  ni  danados  por  las  leyes  que 
reglamenten  su  ejercicio,  y  las 
que  esto  hicieren  seran  declaradas, 
de  conformidad  con  la  atribucion 
la  del  articulo  95,  como  incons- 
titucionales  y  careceran  de  efica- 
cia. 

tItulo  rv. 

DE  LA  SOBERANlA   NACIONAL   Y 
DEL  PODER  PUBLICO. 


15.  Right  of  equality.  In  vir- 
tue of  which: 

First.  All  shall  be  subject  to 
the  same  laws,  and  bound  to  do 
the  same  duty,  render  the  same 
services,  and  pay  the  same  taxes. 

Second.  No  titles  of  nobility, 
honors,  and  hereditary  distinctions 
shall  be  granted,  nor  employments 
or  offices  the  salaries  or  emolu- 
ments of  which  continue  after  the 
termination  of  the  service. 

Third.  No  other  official  designa- 
tion than  "citizen"  and  "you" 
shall  be  given  to  employees  and 
corporations. 

Art.  18.  The  foregoing  enumer- 
ation does  not  abridge  the  power 
of  the  States  to  grant  other  rights 
to  their  inhabitants. 

Art.  19.  These  rights  and  guar- 
anties may  be  suspended  in  the 
cases  and  with  the  formalities  pro- 
vided by  item  8  of  article  80  of 
this  Constitution. 

Art.  20.  Those  who  should 
issue,  sign,  execute,  or  cause  others 
to  execute,  except  in  the  cases 
set  forth  in  item  8  of  article  80, 
any  decrees,  orders,  or  resolutions 
which  violate  the  guaranties  ac- 
corded to  Venezuelans,  are  violat- 
ors of  the  law,  and  shall  be  pun- 
ished accordingly. 

Art.  21.  The  rights  recognized 
and  guaranteed  in  the  foregoing 
articles  shall  not  be  abridged  or 
impaired  by  laws  regulating  their 
exercise,  and  all  laws  violating  this 
principle  shall  be,  as  provided  in 
item  11  of  article  95,  unconstitu- 
tional and  inefficient. 


title  rv. 

THE  NATIONAL  SOVEREIGNTY 
AND  THE  PUBLIC  POWER. 


Art.  22.  La  soberania  reside 
esencialmente  en  el  pueblo,  quien 
la  ejerce  por  medio  de  los  Poderes 
Publicos. 


Art.  22.  The  sovereignty  is 
vested  essentially  in  the  people 
who  exercise  it  through  the  public 
powers. 


CONSTITUTION. 


205 


Art.  23.  La  definition  de  atri- 
buciones  y  facultades  senala  los 
limites  del  Poder  Publico:  todo  lo 
que  extraliinite  dicha  definition 
constituye  una  usurpation  de 
atribuciones. 

Art.  24.  Toda  autoridad  usur- 
pada  es  ineficaz  y  sus  actos  son 
nulos. 

Art.  25.  Toda  decision  acorda- 
da  por  requisition  directa  6  indi- 
recta  de  la  f  uerza,  6  de  reunion  de 
pueblo  en  actitud  subversiva,  es 
nula  de  derecho  y  carece  de  eficacia. 

Art.  26.  El  Gobierno  de  la 
Union  es  y  sera  siempre  republi- 
can©, federal,  democratico,  elec- 
tivo,  representative,  alternativo  y 
responsable. 

Art.  27.  El  ejercicio  del  Poder 
Publico  acarrea  responsabilidad 
individual  por  extralimitacion  de 
las  facultades  que  la  Constitution 
otorga,  6  por  quebrantamiento 
de  la  Ley  que  organiza  sus  fun- 
ciones,  en  los  terminos  que  esta 
Constitution  establece. 

Art.  28.  El  Poder  Publico  se 
distribuye  entre  el  Poder  Federal 
y  el  Poder  de  los  Estados,  en  los 
limites  establecidos  en  esta  Cons- 
titution. 

Art.  29.  El  Poder  Federal  se 
divide  en  Legislativo,  Ejecutivo  y 
Judicial. 

TITTJEO   V. 

DEL  PODER  LEGISLATIVO. 
SECCI6N  I. 

Del  Poder  Legislativo. 

Art.  30.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
se  ejerce  por  una  Asamblea  que  se 
denomina  k '  Congreso  de  los  Esta- 
dos Unidos  de  Venezuela,"  com- 
puesta  de  dos  Camaras,  una  de 
Senadores  y  otra  de  Diputados. 

secci6n  ii. 

De  la  Cdmara  de  Diputados. 

Art.  31 .  Para  f ormar  la  Camara 
de  Diputados,  cada  Estado  elegira 


Art.  23.  The  definition  of  the 
duties  and  prerogatives  of  the 
public  power  shall  mark  its  lim- 
its, and  anv  act  not  comprised  with- 
in the  said  definition  shall  consti- 
tute an  usurpation  of  power. 

Art.  24.  All  usurped  authority 
is  inefficient  and  its  acts  are  null 
and  void. 

Art.  25.  Decisions  reached 
through  direct  or  indirect  use  of 
force,  or  dictated  by  a  mass  of 
people  in  subversive  attitude,  are 
null  dejure  and  produce  no  effect. 

Art.  26.  The  Government  of 
the  Union  is  and  shall  always  be 
republican,  federal,  democratic, 
elective,  representative,  alterna- 
tive, and  responsible. 

Art.  27.  The  exercise  of  public 
power  carries  with  it  personal  re- 
sponsibility for  going  bej^ond  the 
limits  marked  by  the  Constitution, 
or  for  violation  of  the  law  which 
organizes  its  functions;  said  re- 
sponsibility to  be  exacted  in  the 
manner  provided  by  the  Constitu- 
tion. 

Art.  28.  The  Public  power  is 
distributed  between  the  Federal 
and  the  States  powers,  within  the 
limits  established  by  this  Consti- 
tution. 

Art.  29.  The  Federal  power  is 
divided  into  legislative,  executive, 
and  judicial. 

TITLE  V. 

LEGISLATIVE  POWER. 
SECTION   I. 

Legislative  power. 

Art.  30.  The  Legislative  power 
is  vested  in  an  assembly  called 
"Congress  of  the  United  States 
of  Venezuela,"  consisting  of  two 
chambers,  one  of  Senators  and  the 
other  of  Deputies. 

SECTION   II. 

The  Chamber  of  Deputies. 

Art.  31.  To  form  the  Chamber  of 
Deputies,  each  State  shall  elect  by 


206 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF   VENEZUELA. 


por  votacion  directa  y  de  confor- 
midad  con  su  ley  de  elecciones,  uno 
por  cada  cuarenta  mil  habitantes, 
y  uno  mas  por  un  exceso  de  veinte 
mil.  El  Estado  cuya  poblacion  no 
alcance  a  cuarenta  mil  habitantes, 
elegira  un  Diputado.  De  la  propia 
manera  nombrara  suplentes  en 
numero  igual  al  de  los  principales, 
para  sustituir  a  estos  en  las  vacantes 
que  ocurran,  por  el  orden  de  su 
eleccion. 

Parrafo  unico.  Los  Diputados 
duraran  seis  alios  en  sus  f  unciones. 

Art.  32.  Para  poder  ser  Dipu- 
tados se  requiere  ser  venezolano 
por  nacimiento  y  haber  cumplido 
veintiun  afios. 

Art.  33.  El  Distrito  Federal  y 
los  Territorios  Federales  que  tu- 
vieren  6  llegaren  a  tener  la  base 
de  poblacion  establecida  en  el  arti- 
culo31,  elegiran  tambien  sus  Dipu- 
tados por  votacion  directa  y  con  las 
f  ormalidades  que  determine  la  ley. 

Parrafo  unico.  No  se  compu- 
taran  en  la  base  de  poblacion  los 
indigenas  que  vivan  en  estado  sal- 
vaje. 

Art.  34.  Son  atribuciones  de  la 
Camara  de  Diputados: 

1°.  Dar  voto  de  censura  a  los 
Ministros  del  Despacho,  y  por 
este  hecho  quedaran  vacantes  sus 
puestos. 

2°.  Elegir  dentro  de  los  primeros 
quince  dias  de  su  instalacion,  en  el 
primer  ano   del   periodo    corres- 

Sondiente,  el  Procurador  General 
e  la  Nacion  y  dos  suplentes  en 
votaciones  sucesivas  y  por  mayoria 
absoluta.  Estos  empleados  pres- 
taran  la  promesa  legal  ante  la 
Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion,  para 
entrar  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus  fun- 
ciones,  que  seran  determinadas  por 
la  ley. 

3°.  Las  demas  que  le  senalen  las 
leyes. 


direct  vote,  in  accordance  with  the 
electoral  law,  one  deputy  for  each 
forty  thousand  inhabitants,  and  one 
more  for  an  excess  of  twenty  thou- 
sand. The  State  whose  popula- 
tion does  not  reach  forty  thousand 
inhabitants  shall  elect  one  deputy. 
In  the  same  manner  it  shall  elect 
a  number  of  substitutes  equal  to 
that  of  the  Deputies,  said  substi- 
tutes to  till,  in  the  order  of  their 
election,  the  vacancies  which  may 
occur. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  Deputies 
shall  serve  for  six  years. 

Art.  32.  The  Deputies  shall  be 
Venezuelans  by  birth,  and  not  less 
than  twentj^-one  years  of  age. 

Art.  33.  The  Federal  District 
and  the  Federal  Territories  shall, 
wher  having  the  population  re- 
quired by  article  31,  elect  their 
Deputies  by  direct  vote,  with  the 
formalities  provided  by  law. 


Sole  paragraph.  Wild  Indians 
shall  not  be  computed  as  forming 
part  of  the  population. 

Art.  34.  The  House  of  Deputies 
shall  have  power: 

1.  To  issue  a  vote  of  censure 
against  any  cabinet  minister,  and 
by  this  fact  the  position  of  the  lat- 
ter shall  be  vacated. 

2.  To  elect,  within  the  first  fif- 
teen days  of  its  meeting,  in  the  first 
year  of  the  corresponding  period, 
the  Attorney -general  of  the  Nation 
and  two  substitutes.  This  shall  be 
done  separately,  by  votes  taken 
successively,  and  by  absolute  ma- 
jority. These  officials  shall  make 
before  the  supreme  Federal  court 
the  legal  promise  to  faithfully  dis- 
charge their  functions,  as  deter- 
mined by  law. 

3.  To  do  anything  else  the  law 
may  specify. 


CONSTITUTION. 


207 


secci6n  hi. 


SECTION   III. 


De  la  Cdmara  del  Senado. 

Art.  35.  Para  formar  esta  Ca- 
mara,  la  Asamblea  Legislativa  de 
cada  Estado  elegira  de  fuera  de  su 
seno  dos  Senadores  principales,  y 
dos  suplentes,  para  llenar  las  va- 
cantes  de  aquellos,  por  el  orden 
de  su  eleccion. 

Parrafo  tinico.  Los  Senadores 
duraran  en  sus  f  unciones  seis  anos. 

Art.  36.  Para  ser  Senador  se 
requiere  ser  venezolano  por  naci- 
miento  y  haber  cumplido  treinta 
anos. 

Art.  37.  Son  atribuciones  de  la 
Camara  del  Senado: 

la.  Acordar  a  venezolanos  ilus- 
tres,  veinticinco  anos  despues  de 
su  muerte,  el  honor  de  que  sus 
restos  sean  depositados  en  el  Pan- 
teon  Nacional. 

2a.  Dar  6  no  su  consentimiento 
a  los  empleados  nacionales  para 
admitir  dadivas,  cargos,  honores  y 
recompensas  de  naciones  extran- 
jeras. 

3a.  Las  demas  que  le  senalen  las 
leyes. 

secci6n  iv. 

De  las   disposiciones    comunes    d 
ambas  Cdmaras. 

Art.  38.  Las  Camaras  Legisla- 
tivas  se  reuniran  cada  dos  anos  en 
la  Capital  de  la  Union  el  dia  vein- 
titres  de  mayo,  6  el  mas  inmediato 
posible,  sin  necesidad  de  ser  pre- 
viamente  convocadas.  Las  sesiones 
duraran  noventa  dias  improrroga- 
bles. 

Art.  39.  Las  Camaras  abriran 
sus  sesiones  con  las  dos  terceras 
partes  de  sus  miembros,  por  lo 
menos;  y  a  falta  de  este  numero, 
los  concurrentes  se  reuniran  en 
Comision  Preparatoria  y  dictaran 
las  disposiciones  que  crean  conve- 
nientes  para  la  concurrencia  de  los 
ausentes. 


The  Senate. 

Art.  35.  To  form  this  Chamber 
the  Legislative  Assembly  of  each 
State  shall  elect  from  outside  its 
own  membership,two  Senators  and 
two  substitutes,  the  latter  to  fill  the 
vacancies  of  the  former  according 
to  the  order  of  election. 

Sole  paragraph.  Senators  shall 
serve  for  six  years. 

Art.  36.  Senators  shall  be  Vene- 
zuelans by  birth,  and  not  less  than 
thirty  years  old. 

Art.  37.  The  Senate  has  power: 

1.  To  grant  to  illustrious  Ven- 
ezuelans, twenty-five  years  after 
their  death,  the  honor  that  their 
remains  be  placed  in  the  National 
Pantheon. 

2.  To  give,  or  withhold,  its  con- 
sent to  the  acceptance  by  national 
functionaries  of  gifts,  commis- 
sions, honors,  and  rewards  from 
foreign  countries. 

3.  To  do  any  thing  else  the  law 
may  provide. 

section  iv. 

Provisions  common  to  both  Cham- 
bers. 

Art.  38.  The  legislative  Cham- 
bers will  meet  every  two  years  in 
the  capital  of  the  Union  on  the 
twenty-third  day  of  May,  or  as 
soon  thereafter  as  possible,  with- 
out the  necessity  of  previous  con- 
vocation. The  sessions  shall  last 
for  ninety  days,  and  this  period 
shall  not  be  extended. 

Art.  39.  The  Chambers  shall  be- 
gin their  sessions,  if  at  least  two- 
thirds  of  their  members  are  pres- 
ent. If  this  quorum  is  not  ob- 
tained, the  members  present  shall 
resolve  into  a  preparatory  commit- 
tee and  adopt  proper  measures  to 
compel  the  attendance  of  the  ab- 
sentees. 


208 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


Art.  40.  Las  sesiones,  una  vez 
abiertas,  podran  continuarse  con 
la  asistencia  de  la  mayoriaabsoluta 
de  la  totalidad  de  los  miembros 
nombrados. 

Art.  41.  Las  Camaras  funcio- 
naran  separadamente  y  se  reuninin 
en  Congreso  cuando  lo  determinen 
la  Constitucion  6  las  leyes,  6  cuando 
una  de  las  dos  Camaras  lo  crea 
necesario.  Si  conviniere  la  invi- 
tada,  toca  a  esta  fijar  el  dia  y 
la  hora  de  la  reunion. 

Art.  42.  Las  sesiones  seran 
publicas:  pero  podran  sersecretas 
cuando  lo  acuerde  la  Camara. 

Art.  43.  Las  Camaras  tienen  el 
derecho: 

1°.  De  dictar  su  respectivo  Re- 
glamento  interior  y  de  debates  y 
de  acordar  la  correccion  para  los 
infractores. 

2°.  De  establecer  la  policia  en 
el  edificio  donde  celebre  sus  se- 
siones. 

3°.  De  corregir  6  castigar  a  los 
espectadores  que  falten  al  orden 
establecido. 

4°.  De  remover  los  obstaculos 
que  se  opongan  al  libre  ejercicio 
de  sus  funciones. 

5°.  De  mandar  ejecutar  sus  re- 
soluciones  privativas. 

6°.  De  calificar  a  sus  miembros 
y  oir  sus  renuncias. 

Art.  44.  lias  Camaras  funcio- 
naran  en  una  misma  poblacion, 
abriran  y  cerraran  sus  sesiones 
en  un  mismo  dia;  y  ninguna  de 
las  dos  podra  suspenderlas  ni 
mudar  de  residencia  sin  el  consen- 
timiento  de  la  otra.  En  caso  de 
divergencia,  se  reuniran  en  Con- 
greso y  se  ejecutara  lo  que  este 
resuelva. 

Art.  45.  El  ejercicio  de  cual- 
quier  funcion  publica  es  incompa- 
tible, durante  las  sesiones,  con  la 
de  Senador  6  Diputado.  La  ley 
designara  los  emolumentos  que 
hayan  de  recibir  por  sus  servi- 


Art.  40.  After  the  sessions  are 
opened  an  absolute  majority  of  the 
members  elected  shall  constitute  a 
quorum. 

Art.  41.  The  Chambers  shall  act 
separateh7;  but  they  maj7  assemble 
in  Congress  when  so  provided  b}r 
the  Constitution  or  the  laws,  or 
when  any  one  of  them  may  deem  it 
necessary.  In  the  latter  case,  if  the 
invited  Chamber  agrees  to  hold  the 
joint  session,  it  shall  have  the  priv- 
ilege of  fixing  the  day  and  hour. 

Art.  42.  The  sessions  shall  be 
public,  but  they  may  be  secret 
when  so  decided  by  the  Chamber. 

Art.  43.  The  Chambers  have 
the  right: 

1.  To  make  rules  for  their  own 
government  and  punish  the  viola- 
tors thereof. 

2.  To  establish  its  own  police 
in  the  building  in  which  their  meet- 
ings are  held. 

3.  To  punish  spectators  who 
violate  the  rules. 

4.  To  remove  the  obstacles  that 
ma}7  obstruct  the  free  exercise  of 
their  functions. 

5.  To  enforce  their  own  reso- 
lutions. 

6.  To  pass  upon  the  qualifica- 
tions of  their  members  and  to  con- 
sider their  resignations. 

Art.  44.  Both  Chambers  shall 
hold  their  sessions  in  the  same 
city,  and  shall  close  them  on  the 
same  da}7.  Neither  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  suspend  their  meetings, 
or  change  their  residence  without 
the  consent  of  the  other.  In  case 
of  disagreement  they  shall  assem- 
ble in  Congress  and  do  as  the  lat- 
ter may  resolve. 

Art.  45.  The  exercise  of  any 
other  public  function,  during  the 
sessions,  is  incompatible  with  the 
duties  of  a  Senator  or  Deputy. 
The  law  shall  fix  the  salaries  that 
the  members  of  the  national  legisla- 


CONSTITUTION. 


209 


cios  los  mienibros  del  Congreso, 
emolumentos  que  no  podran  ser 
aumentados  sino  para  el  periodo 
siguiente. 

Art.  46.  Los  Senadores  y  Dipu- 
tados  desde  treinta  dias  antes  del 
veintitres  de  mayo  hasta  treinta 
dias  despues  de  terminadas  las 
sesiones,  gozaran  de  inmunidad;  y 
esta  consiste  en  la  suspension  de 
todo  procedimiento  civil  6  crimi- 
nal, cualquiera  que  sea  su  origen 
6  naturaleza.  Cuando  alguno  co- 
metiere  un  hecho  que  merezca 
pena  corporal,  la  averiguacion 
continuara  hasta  el  termino  del 
sumario,  quedando  en  este  estado 
mientras  dure  la  inmunidad. 


Art.  47.  Las  Camaras  no  po- 
dran, en  caso  alguno,  allanar  a  nin- 
guno  de  sus  miembros  para  que  se 
viole  en  el  la  inmunidad  que  se 
establece  por  el  articulo  anterior. 
Los  Magistrados,  Autoridades  6 
Corporaciones  y  sus  Agentes,  que 
priven  de  su  libertad  a.  un  Senador 
6  Dipntado,  durante  el  goce  de 
su  inmunidad,  seran  sometidos  a 
juicio  ante  la  autoridad  judicial 
competente,  pudiendo  ser  acusa- 
dos  por  cualquier  ciudadano  con  tal 
fin,  y  quedando  por  el  mismo  hecho 
destituidos  de  sus  empleos,  sin  per- 
juicio  de  las  penas  que  establece 
la  ley  para  los  infractores  de  la 
Constitution. 

Art.  48.  El  Congreso  sera  pre- 
sidido  por  el  Presidente  del  Se- 
nado;  y  el  de  la  Camara  de  Dipu- 
tados  hara  de  Vice-Presidente. 

Art.  49.  Los  miembros  de  las 
Camaras  no  son  responsables  por 
el  voto  ni  por  las  opiniones  que 
emitan  en  ellas. 

Art.  50.  Los  Senadores  y  Dipu- 
tados  no  podran  celebrar  con  el 
Ejecutivo  Nacional  contratos  pro- 
pios  ni  ajenos;  ni  gestionar  ante 
el  reclamos  de  otro. 

360a— vol  1—06 14 


ture  shall  receive  for  their  serv- 
ices, which  salaries  shall  not  be 
increased  except  for  the  following 
term. 

Art.  46.  Senators  and  deputies 
shall  enjoy  immunity  from  thirty 
days  previous  to  the  twenty-third 
of  May,  until  thirty  days  after  the 
close  of  the  session;  and  the  im- 
munity shall  consist  in  the  suspen- 
sion of  all  civil  or  criminal  pro- 
ceedings, whatever  their  origin  or 
nature  may  be.  But  if  the  offense 
committed  is  one  deserving  cor- 
poral punishment,  the  investiga- 
tion shall  continue  until  the  case 
for  the  prosecution  is  made.  No 
further  steps  shall  then  be  taken 
until  the  period  of  immunity  ter- 
minates. 

Art.  47.  The  Chambers  shall 
have  no  power  in  any  case  to  sur- 
render any  of  their  members  and 
allow  the  immunity  provided  for  in 
the  preceding  article  to  be  violated. 
Magistrates,  authorities,  corpora- 
tions, or  their  agents,  which  may 
deprive  a  Senator  or  Deputy  of 
his  liberty  during  the  enjoyment 
of  his  immunity  shall  be  prose- 
cuted and  tried  before  the  compe- 
tent judicial  authority,  and  re- 
moved at  once  from  their  offices, 
without  relieving  them  of  the  pen- 
alties imposed  by  law  to  violators 
of  the  Constitution.  The  right  of 
accusation  in  these  cases  belongs 
to  any  citizen. 

Art.  48.  Congress  shall  be  pre- 
sided over  by  the  President  of 
the  Senate,  and  the  presiding  offi- 
cer of  the  Chamber  of  Deputies 
shall  act  as  vice-president. 

Art.  49.  The  members  of  the 
Chambers  shall  not  be  responsible 
for  their  votes  or  for  the  opinions 
expressed  by  them  in  the  sessions. 

Art.  50.  Senators  and  Deputies 
shall  not  enter  b}^  themselves,  or 
in  behalf  of  third  parties,  into 
contracts  with  the  national  execu- 
tive; nor  shall  they  prosecute 
before  it  claims  of  other  persons. 


210 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


Art.  51.  Cuando  por  muerte  6 
por  cualquiera  otra  causa  que  pro- 
duzca  vacante  absoluta,  se  hubie- 
ren  agotado  los  suplentes  de  un 
Estado  en  el  Senado,  6  reducido  a 
menos  numero  del  que  le  corres- 
ponda,  la  Asamblea  Legislativa 
respective  llenara  la  vacante  6  va- 
cantes  que  hayan  ocurrido,  por  el 
tiempo  que  faltaba  al  sustituido  6 
sustituidos.  En  cuanto  a  las  faltas 
que  ocurran  en  la  Camara  de  Dipu- 
tados,  las  Constituciones  de  los  Es- 
tados  determinaran  la  manera  de 
suplirlas. 

secci6n  v. 

De  las  atribuciones  del  Congreso. 

Art.  52.  El  Congreso  de  los 
EstadosUnidos  de  Venezuela  tiene 
las  atribuciones  siguientes: 

la.  Conocer  de  las  renuncias  del 
Presidente  y  Vice-Presidentes  de 
la  Republica. 

2a.  Examinar,  y  aprobar  6  im- 
probar  la  cuenta  que  deben  pre- 
sentarle  los  Ministros  del  Despacho 
de  conformidad  con  el  articulo  86 
de  esta  Constitucion. 

3a.  Dictar  las  leyes  organicas  y 
electorales  del  Distrito  Federal  y 
de  los  Territorios  Federales.  En 
el  Distrito  Federal  la  ley  consa- 
grara  la  autonomia  del  Municipio 
en  lo  economico  y  administrativo, 
y  determinara  como  haya  de 
ejercer  sus  atribuciones  de  con- 
formidad con  los  preceptos  de  esta 
Constitucion,  de  modo  que  no  se 
entrabe  la  libertad  de  accion  poli- 
tica  de  los  Altos  Poderes  Federales 
que  en  aquel  residen.  En  los  casos 
de  guerra  su  primera  autoridad 
civil  v  politica  asuraira  laadminis- 
tracion  de  los  dos  ramos  inencio- 
nados. 

4a.  Elevar  a  la  categoria  de  Esta- 
dos  de  la  Union  a  los  Territorios 
Federales  que  lo  soliciten,  siempre 
que  llenen  las  condiciones  prescri- 
tas  en  el  articulo  4  de  esta  Consti- 
tucion. 


Art.  51.  When,  through  death, 
or  any  other  cause  producing  ab- 
solute vacancy,  the  number  of  sub- 
stitutes elected  in  one  State  for  the 
Senate  has  been  exhausted,  or 
reduced  below  the  proper  rate, 
the  respective  legislative  assembty 
shall  fill  the  vacancy  for  the  un- 
expired term  of  the  Senator  or  his 
substitute.  In  regard  to  vacancies 
occurring  in  the  Chamber  of  Dep- 
uties the  Constitutions  of  the 
States  shall  determine  the  manner 
of  filling  them. 

SECTION  v. 

Powers  vested  in  Congress. 

Art.  52.  The  powers  vested  in 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States 
of  Venezuela  are: 

1.  To  take  cognizance  of  the 
resignations  of  the  President  and 
Vice-presidents  of  the  Republic. 

2.  To  examine,  approve,  or  dis- 
approve the  accounts  that  must  be 
submitted  to  it  by  the  cabinet 
ministers  in  conformity  with  arti- 
cle 86  of  this  Constitution. 

3.  To  enact  the  organic  and 
electoral  laws  of  the  Federal  Dis- 
trict and  Federal  Territories.  In 
the  Federal  District  the  law  shall 
proclaim  the  autonomy  of  the 
municipality  in  economical  and 
executive  matters,  and  shall  de- 
termine how  the  said  municipality 
shall  discharge  its  power  in  con- 
formity with  the  provisions  of  this 
Constitution,  so  as  to  prevent  the 
liberty  of  political  action  of  the 
high  Federal  powers  residing 
therein  from  being  embarrassed. 
In  case  of  war  its  highest  civil  and 
political  authority  shall  assume 
the  administration  of  the  two  de- 
partments mentioned. 

4.  To  raise  to  the  condition  of 
States  the  Federal  Territories 
which  may  ask  for  it,  provided 
that  the  conditions  of  article  4 
of  this  Constitution  are  complied 
with. 


CONSTITUTION. 


211 


5a.  Decretar  los  irapuestos  nacio- 
nales. 

6a.  Sancionar  los  Codigos  Nacio- 
nales  con  arreglo  a  la  base  16, 
articulo  7,  de  esta  Constitucion,  y 
el  Codigo  de  Instruccion  Publica 
Federal,  el  de  Hacienda,  el  Militar 
y  el  de  Marina  y  las  leyes  condu- 
centes  a  la  organizacion  de  la  Mili- 
cia  Nacional. 

7a.  Fijar  el  tipo,  valor,  ley,  peso 
y  acunacion  de  la  moneda  nacional, 
siendo  el  oro  el  patron  monetario; 
y  resolver  sobre  la  admision  y  cir- 
culacion  de  la  extranjera. 

8a.  Crear,  suprimir  y  dotar  los 
empleos  nacionales. 

9a.  Determinar  todo  lo  relativo  a 
la  deuda  nacional  y  sus  intereses. 

10a.  Decretar  emprestitos  sobre 
el  cr^dito  de  la  Nacion. 

lla.  Decretar  todo  lo  relativo  a 
la  estadistica  y  Censo  Nacional,  el 
que  debera  hacerse  cada  diez  anos. 

12\  Aprobaronegarlostratados 
y  convenios  diplomaticos,  los  que, 
sin  el  requisito  de  su  aprobacion, 
no  seran  validos  ni  podran  ratifi- 
carse  ni  canjearse.  La  ley  apro- 
batoria  que  dicte  el  Congreso  no 
recibira  el  "Ejecutese,"  sino 
cuando  conste  que  el  tratado  esta 
acceptado  por  la  otra  parte.  Los 
tratados  no  se  publicaran  hasta 
despues  de  haber  sido  ratificados 
y  canjeados. 

13a.  Aprobar  6  negar  los  contra- 
tos  de  interes  nacional  que  celebre 
el  Ejecutivo  Federal. 

14a.  Sancionar  el  Presupuesto 
General  de  Rentas  y  Gastos  Pu- 
blicos. 

15a.  Fijar  y  uniformar  las  pesas 
y  medidas  nacionales. 

16a.  Dictar  las  leyes  relativas  al 
ejercicio  de  las  atribuciones  que 
esta  Constitucion  concede  al  Poder 
Federal,  y  ademas,  todas  las  de 


5.  To  levy  and  collect  the  na- 
tional taxes. 

6.  To  sanction,  according  to  item 
16  of  article  7  of  this  Constitution, 
the  national  Codes,  and  also  the 
Federal  Code  of  public  instruction, 
the  fiscal  and  military  and  naval 
Codes  and  the  laws  conducive  to  the 
organization  of  the  national  militia. 

7.  To  fix  the  standard,  value,  fine- 
ness, weight,  and  coinage  of  the 
national  money,  provided  that  it  be 
on  a  gold  basis,  and  to  decide  in 
regard  to  the  admission  and  circu- 
lation of  foreign  currency. 

8.  To  create,  abolish,  and  fix  the 
salaries  of  national  offices. 

9.  To  determine  everything  re- 
lating to  the  national  debt  and 
interest  thereon. 

10.  To  make  loans  on  the  credit 
of  the  Nation. 

11.  To  decree  everything  rela- 
ting to  statistics  and  the  national 
census,  the  latter  to  be  taken  every 
ten  years. 

12.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
diplomatic  treaties  and  conven- 
tions, which,  without  the  required 
approval,  shall  not  be  valid  or  ca- 
pable of  ratification  or  exchange. 
The  law  of  approval  passed  by  Con- 
gress shall  not  be  executed  until 
it  is  known  that  the  treaty  has 
been  accepted  by  the  other  party. 
Treaties  shall  not  be  published 
until  they  have  been  ratified  and 
exchanged. 

13.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
contracts  of  national  interest  enter- 
ed into  by  the  Federal  Executive. 

14.  To  approve  the  general 
budget  of  public  revenue  and  ex- 
penditure. 

15.  To  fix  the  standard  of  na- 
tional weights  and  measures  and 
make  them  uniform. 

16.  To  enact  all  laws  relating  to 
the  exercise  of  the  powers  vested 
by  this  Constitution  in  the  Fed- 
eral   authorities,    and    all    other 


212 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


canicter  general  que  sean  necesa- 
rias. 

17a.  Elegir  el  Cuerpo  Electoral 
de  que  trata  el  articulo  70  de  esta 
Constitution. 

18a.  Elegir  la  Corte  Federal  y 
de  Casacion  de  conformidad  con 
los  articulos  91,  92  y  93  de  esta 
Constitucion. 

Art.  53.  Los  actos  que  sancio- 
nen  las  Camaras  Legislativas  de 
Venezuela,  funcionando  separada- 
mente  como  cuerpos  colegislado- 
res,  se  denominaran  "leyes;"  y 
los  que  sancionen,  reunidas  en  Con- 
greso,  6  separadas,  para  asuntos 
privativos  de  cada  una,  se  llama- 
nin  "acuerdos." 


laws  of  general  character  which 
may  be  necessary. 

17.  To  elect  the  electoral  body 
provided  for  by  article  70  of  this 
Constitution. 

18.  To  elect  the  supreme  Fed- 
eral court  in  conformity  with  ar- 
ticles 91,  92,  and  93  of  this  Con- 
stitution. 

Art.  53.  The  acts  passed  by 
the  legislative  Chambers  of  Vene- 
zuela when  sitting  separately,  as 
branches  of  the  legislative  body, 
shall  be  called  "laws,"  and  when 
passed  by  the  two  chambers  in 
Congress  assembled,  or  separately, 
on  matters  of  their  own  exclusive 
incumbency,  shall  be  called  "reso- 
lutions." 


secci6n  vi. 

De  la  formacion  de  las  leyes. 

Art.  54.  La  iniciativa  de  las 
leyes  podra  tener  lugar  en  cual- 
quiera  de  las  Camaras,  y  compete 
a  sus  respectivos  miembros. 

Art.  55.  Luego  que  se  haya 
presentado  un  proyecto,  se  leera 
y  considerara  para  ser  admitido, 
y  si  lo  f  uere,  se  le  daran  tres  dis- 
cusiones  con  el  intervalo  de  un  dia 
por  lo  menos,  de  una  a  otra,  ob- 
servandose  las  reglas  establecidas 
para  los  debates. 

Art.  56.  Los  proyectos  apro- 
bados  en  la  Camara  en  que  fueron 
iniciados,  se  pasaran  a  la  otra  para 
los  efectos  del  articulo  anterior,  y 
si  no  fueron  negados,  se  devolve- 
rnn  a  la  Camara  de  su  origen  con 
las  alteraciones  hechas,  caso  de 
haberlas  suf  rido. 

Art.  57.  Si  la  Camara  del  origen 
noadmitiere  las  alteraciones,  podra 
insistir  y  enviar  sus  razones  escri- 
tas  a  la  otra.  Tambien  podra  in- 
vitarla  a  reunirse  en  Congreso  y 
resolverse  en  comision  general 
para  buscar  la  manera  de  acor- 
aarse;  pero  si  esto  nopudiere  con- 
seguirse,  quedara  sin  efecto  el 
proyecto,  luego  que  la  Camara  del 


SECTION   VI. 

Enactment  of  laws. 

Art.  54.  The  power  to  initiate 
legislation  is  equally  vested  in 
both  Chambers  and  belongs  to  their 
respective  members. 

Art.  55.  Bills  introduced  shall 
be  read  and  considered  for  the  pur- 
pose of  admission,  and  if  admitted 
shall  be  submitted  to  three  discus- 
sions, which  shall  be  conducted 
according  to  the  rules  established 
for  the  debates.  One  day  at  least 
shall  mediate  between  each  discus- 
sion. 

Art.  56.  Bills  approved  in  the 
Chamber  of  origin  shall  be  sent  to 
the  other  Chamber  for  the  purposes 
of  the  foregoing  article,  and  if  not 
disapproved  shall  be  returned  to 
the  Chamber  of  origin,  with  the 
amendments,  if  any,  made  thereto. 

Art.  57.  If  the  Chamber  of  ori- 
gin does  not  accept  the  amend- 
ments it  shall  have  the  right  to 
insist  upon  its  own  bill,  and  shall 
send  it  to  the  other  Chamber  with 
a  statement  in  writing  of  its  reasons 
therefor.  It  can  also  invite  the 
other  Chamber  to  assemble  in  Con- 
gress and  consider  the  matter  in 
committee  of  the  whole,  so  as  to 


CONSTITUTION. 


213 


origen  resuelva  separadamente  la 
ratificacion  de  su  insistencia. 


Art.  58.  Al  pasarse  los  proyec- 
tos  de  una  a  otra  Camara,  se  ex- 
presaran  los  dias  en  que  hayan 
sido  discutidos. 

Art.  59.  Los  proyectos  recha- 
zados  en  las  sesiones  de  un  ano  no 
podran  ser  presentados  de  nuevo, 
sino  en  las  de  otro. 

Art.  60.  Los  proyectos  que  que- 
daren  pendientes  en  una  Camara 
al  fin  de  las  sesiones,  suf  riran  en 
ella  las  mismas  tres  discusiones  en 
las  sesiones  del  ano  subsiguiente. 

Art.  61.  En  las  leyes  se  usara 
esta  formula: 

"El  Congreso  de  los  Estados 
Unidos  de  Venezuela  decreta:" 

Art.  62.  La  ley  que  reforme 
otra  se  redactara  integramente,  y 
se  derogara  la  anterior  en  todas 
sus  partes. 

Art.  63.  Las  leyes  se  derogan 
con  las  mismas  formalidades  esta- 
blecidas  para  su  sancion. 

Art.  64.  Los  actos  legislatives, 
una  vez  sancionados,  se  comuni- 
caran  por  duplicado  al  Presidente 
de  la  Republica,  y  se  publicaran 
en  el  Diario  de  Debates  de  la 
Camara  del  Senado  y  estaran  en 
observancia  cumplidas  que  sean 
las  formalidades  establecidas  en 
la  atribucion  1%  articulo  80  de 
esta  Constitution.  El  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  por  organo  del 
Ministro  que  los  refrende,  de- 
volvera  uno  de  los  dos  ejemplares 
al  Congreso,  con  el  mandato  de 
su  cumplimiento. 

Parraf  o  unico.  En  la  publication 
que  se  hara  en  el  Diario  de  Debates 
se  expresara  la  fecha  en  que  las 
leyes  6  decretos  hayan  sido  pre- 
sentados al  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica, a  fin  de  que  transcurridos 
los  quince  dias  a  que  se  refiere  la 
citada  atribucion  la,   articulo    80, 


facilitate  an  agreement.  If  no  ar- 
rangement can  be  obtained,  the  bill 
shall  become  of  no  effect  from  the 
moment  in  which  the  Chamber  of 
origin  resolves  separately  to  ratify 
its  insistence. 

Art.  58.  When  bills  are  sent 
from  one  Chamber  to  the  other, 
a  statement  showing  the  days  on 
which  they  have  been  discussed 
shall  go  with  them. 

Art.  59.  Bills  rejected  in  the 
sessions  of  one  year  shall  not  be 
again  introduced  except  in  some 
other  year. 

Art.  60.  Bills  pending  in  one 
Chamber  at  the  close  of  the  sessions 
shall  be  taken  up  by  it  in  the  fol- 
lowing year  and  submitted  to  three 
discussions  as  usual. 

Art.  61.  The  enacting  clause  to 
be  used  in  the  laws  shall  be  as  fol- 
lows: 

"The  Congress  of  the  United 
States  of  Venezuela  decrees:" 

Art.  62.  Amendatory  laws  shall 
be  drafted  as  entirely  new  statutes, 
taking  the  place  of  the  former  ones, 
and  repealing  all  their  provisions. 

Art.  63.  Laws  shall  be  repealed 
with  the  same  formalities  as  are 
established  for  their  enactment. 

Art.  64.  Legislative  acts,  once 
sanctioned,  shall  be  communicated 
in  duplicate  to  the  President  of 
the  Republic  and  published  in  the 
Journal  of  the  debates  of  the  Sen- 
ate. They  shall  have  binding  force 
as  soon  as  the  formalities  estab- 
lished in  item  1  of  article  80  of  this 
Constitution  are  fulfilled.  The 
President  of  the  Republic,  through 
the  Minister  who  countersigns  said 
acts,  shall  return  one  of  the  two 
copies  to  Congress,  with  the  order 
for  its  enforcement. 

Sole  paragraph.  In  the  publi- 
cation that  shall  be  made  in  the 
Journal  of  the  debates,  the  date  on 
which  the  laws  and  decrees  were 
laid  before  the  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  be  given,  so  as  to 
secure  for  them,  after  the  lapse 
of  the  fifteen  days,  to  which  the 
aforesaid  item  1  of  article  80  re- 


214 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


tengan,  de  todasmaneras,  su  fuerza 
y  vigor. 

Art.  65.  La  facultad  de  legislar 
que  tiene  el  Congreso,  no  es  dele- 
gable. 

Art.  66.  Ninguna  disposicion 
legislativa  tendra  efecto  retroac- 
tivo,  excepto  en  materias  de  pro- 
cedimiento  judicial  y  la  que  im- 
ponga  menor  pena. 

Art.  67.  Cuando  los  Ministros 
del  Despacho  hayan  sostenido  en 
las  Camaras  la  inconstitucionalidad 
de  un  proyecto,  y  no  obstante 
quedare  sancionado  como  ley,  el 
Procurador-General  denunciara  la 
colision  para  que  el  punto  sea 
resuelto  conforme  al  articulo  95. 

TITULO  VI. 

DEL  PODER  EJECUTIVO  FEDERAL. 

SECCI6N  I. 

De  la  administration  general  de  la 
Union. 

Art.  68.  Todo  lo  relativo  a  la 
Administracion  General  de  la  Na- 
cion,  que  no  este  atribuido  a  otra 
autoridad  por  esta  Constitucion, 
es  de  la  competencia  del  Ejecutivo 
Federal:  este  se  ejerce  por  un 
Magistrado  que  se  llamara  Presi- 
dente  de  los  Estados  Unidos  de 
Venezuela,  en  union  de  los  Minis- 
tros del  Despacho,  que  son  sus 
organos.  El  Presidente  sera  ele- 
gido  en  la  forma  que  previene  la 
seccion  siguiente. 

Art.  69.  Las  funciones  del  Eje- 
cutivo Nacional  no  pueden  ejer- 
cerse  fuera  del  Distrito  Federal 
sino  en  los  casos  previstos  por  esta 
Constitucion. 

SECCTON   II. 

De  la  election  del  Presidente  de  los 
Estados  Unidos  de  Venezuela. 

Art.  70.  Habra  un  Cuerpo  Elec- 
toral compuesto  de  catorce  miem- 


f  ers,  the  condition  of  being,  under 
all  circumstances,  in  full  force  and 
vigor. 

Art.  65.  The  power  to  legislate 
vested  in  Congress  shall  not  be 
delegated. 

Art.  6Q.  No  legislative  provi- 
sion shall  be  given  retroactive  ef- 
fect, except  in  matters  of  judicial 
proceedings,  or  when  the  new  law 
imposes  a  lesser  penalty. 

Art.  67.  When  bills  maintained 
in  the  Chambers,  by  the  respective 
cabinet  Minister,  to  be  unconstitu- 
tional, are  nevertheless  passed,  the 
Attorney-general  shall  denounce 
the  fact,  in  order  that  the  point 
may  be  settled  according  to  article 
95. 

TITLE  VI. 

THE  FEDERAL  EXECUTIVE 
POWER. 

SECTION   I. 

The  general  administration  of  the 
government  of  the  Union. 

Art.  68.  Everything  concerning 
the  general  administration  of  the 
national  Government,  not  vested 
by  this  Constitution  in  any  other 
authority,  shall  fall  under  the  juris- 
diction of  the  Federal  Executive. 
This  power  is  vested  in  a  magistrate 
who  shall  be  called  President  of  the 
United  States  of  Venezuela,  and 
shall  be  assisted  by  the  cabinet 
Ministers,  who  are  his  organs. 
The  President  shall  be  elected  in 
the  manner  and  form  provided  in 
the  following  section. 

Art.  69.  The  functions  of  the 
National  Executive  can  not  be  per- 
formed outside  of  the  Federal  Dis- 
trict, except  in  the  cases  described 
in  this  Constitution. 

SECTION  II. 

Election  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States  of  Venezuela. 

Art.  70.  There  shall  be  an  elec- 
toral body  consisting  of  fourteen 


CONSTITUTION. 


215 


bros  del  Congreso  Nacional,  elegi- 
dos  por  este  en  los  primeros  quince 
dias  de  su  reunion  en  el  primer  ano- 
de cada  periodo  constitucional,  de 
manera  que  quede  formado  de  un 
Representante,  Senador  6  Dipu- 
tado,  por  cada  una  de  las  entidades 
politicas  y  de  un  Diputado  mas  por 
el  Distrito  Federal. 

Art.  71.  El  siguiente  dia  de 
haberse  elegido  por  el  Congreso 
el  citado  Cuerpo  Electoral,  pro- 
cedera  este  a  su  instalacion  cons- 
titucional con  el  numero  de  los 
presentes,  con  tal  que  este  numero 
no  baje  de  las  dos  terceras  partes 
de  la  totalidad  de  los  miembros 
elegidos  para  componer  el  Cuerpo, 
y  designara  de  entre  el  los  el  que 
deba  dirigir  sus  labores. 

Art.  72.  Al  instalarse  el  Cuerpo 
Electoral,  senalara  uno  de  los 
tres  dias  siguientes  para  elegir  de 
su  seno,  6  de  f  uera  de  el,  en  sesion 
piiblica  permanente,  el  Presidente 
ae  los  Estados  Unidos  de  Vene- 
zuela. Este  senalamiento  se  pu- 
blicara  por  la  imprenta,  y  para  que 
se  practique  la  eleccion  deben  en- 
contrarse  presentes  las  dos  ter- 
ceras partes,  por  lo  menos,  de  la 
totalidad  de  los  miembros  del 
Cuerpo  Electoral,  y  se  proclamara 
elegido  al  que  obtenga  la  mayoria 
absoluta  de  votos  sobre  dicha 
totalidad.  El  Cuerpo  Electoral 
declarara  terminados  sus  trabajos, 
formulandose  el  acta  respectiva 
que  sera  suscrita  por  todos  sus 
miembros,  los  cuales  volveran  de 
nuevo  a  ocupar  sus  puestos  en  las 
Camaras  respectivas. 

Parrafo  unico.  El  Cuerpo  Elec- 
toral, en  la  misma  sesion  en  que 
elija  Presidente  de  los  Estados 
Unidos  de  Venezuela,  elegira  tam- 
bie*n,  con  las  formalidades  pres- 
critas  para  la  eleccion  de  Presi- 
dente, 3'  con  las  condiciones  de  este, 
un  primero  y  un  segundo  Vice- 
Presidente,  para  suplir  las  faltas 
temporales  o  absolutas  de  aquel. 


members  of  the  National  Congress, 
elected  by  the  latter  within  the 
first  fifteen  days  of  its  meeting  in 
the  first  year  of  each  presidential 
period,  so  that  the  body  may  con- 
sist of  one  representative,  either  a 
senator  or  a  deputy,  for  each  one 
of  the  political  entities,  and  an 
additional  deputy  for  the  Federal 
District. 

Art.  71.  On  the  day  following 
the  election  by  Congress  of  the  said 
electoral  body,  the  latter  shall  pro- 
ceed to  its  organization  with  the 
number  of  members  present,  pro- 
vided that  this  number  is  not  less 
than  two-thirds  of  all  those  elected 
to  compose  the  body,  and  it  shall 
select  out  of  their  number  the  one 
who  is  to  act  as  chairman. 

Art.  72.  The  electoral  body,  as 
soon  as  it  is  organized,  shall  set 
apart  one  of  the  three  following 
days  to  elect  out  of  their  number 
or  elsewhere,  in  permanent  public 
session,  the  President  of  the  United 
States  of  Venezuela.  Information 
concerning  this  date  shall  be  pub- 
lished by  the  press,  and  in  order  to 
effect  the  election  at  least  two- 
thirds  must  be  present  of  the  total 
number  of  members  composing 
the  electoral  body,  and  the  one 
who  shall  have  obtained  the  abso- 
lute majority  of  said  total  shall  be 
proclaimed  elected.  The  electoral 
body  shall  then  declare  its  labors 
at  an  end,  and  the  minutes  of  its 
proceedings  shall  be  signed  b}r  all 
the  members,  who  shall  return  to 
their  places  in  the  respective 
chambers. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  electoral 
body  shall  in  the  same  session  in 
which  the  President  of  the  United 
States  of  Venezuela  is  elected,  pro- 
ceed also  to  the  election,  with  the 
same  formalities  and  conditions,  of 
a  first  and  second  vice-president  to 
fill  the  temporary  or  absolute  va- 
cancies of  the  Presidency. 


216 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


secci6n  m. 

Del    Presidente    de    los    Estados 
Unidos  de  Venezuela. 

Art.  73.  El  Presidente  de  los 
Estados  Unidos  de  Venezuela 
debera  ser  venezolano  por  naci- 
miento  y  mayor  de  trienta  anos,  y 
prestara  ante  el  Congreso  la  pro- 
mesa  legal,  antes  de  entrar  en  el 
ejercicio  de  sus  funciones. 

Parrafo  unico.  Los  Vice-Presi- 
dentes  prestariin  la  promesa  legal 
ante  el  Congreso,  y  en  receso  de 
e*ste,  ante  el  Presidente  de  la 
Repiiblica. 

Art.  74.  Las  faltas  temporales 
6  absolutas  del  Presidente  seran 
suplidas  por  un  primero  y  un 
segundo  Vice-Presidente,  segun  el 
orden  de  su  eleccion. 

En  el  caso  de  encargarse  el 
segundo  Vice-Presidente  por  falta 
absoluta  del  Presidente  y  del 
primer  Vice-Presidente,  6  si  ocu- 
rriere  esta  falta  durante  su  encargo, 
convoeara  inmediatamente  la  Ca- 
mara  del  Senado  para  que  elija  la 
persona  que  deba  sustituirlo. 

Art.  75.  Son  atribuciones  pri- 
vativas  del  Presidente  de  los  Esta- 
dos Unidos  de  Venezuela: 

la.  Nombrar  y  remover  los  Mi- 
nistros  del  Despacho. 

2a.  Recibir  y  cumplimentar  a 
los  Ministros  Piiblicos  de  otras 
naciones. 

3a.  Firmar  las  cartas  oficiales  di- 
rigidas  a  los  Soberanos  6  Primeros 
Magistrados  de  otras  paises. 

4a.  Administrar  el  Distrito  Fe- 
deral, segun  la  ley,  y  funcionar  en 
el  como  primera  Autoridad  Civil 
y  Politica. 

5a.  Administrar  los  Territorios 
Federates  de  conformidad  con  sus 
leyes  organicas. 

6a.  Dirigir  la  guerra  y  mandar 


SECTION    III. 

The  President  of  the  United  States 
of  Venezuela. 

Art.  73.  The  President  of  the 
United  States  of  Venezuela  shall 
be  a  Venezuelan  by  birth,  over 
thirty  years  of  age.  Before  enter- 
ing into  the  discharge  of  his  func- 
tions, he  shall  make  before  Con- 
gress the  legal  promise. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  Vice-presi- 
dents shall  make  their  legal  prom- 
ise before  Congress,  or,  if  Con- 
gress is  not  in  session,  before  the 
President  of  the  Republic. 

Art.  74.  In  case  of  temporary 
or  absolute  vacancy  of  the  Presi- 
dency, the  place  shall  be  filled  by 
the  first  or  second  Vice-president, 
according  to  the  order  of  their 
election. 

In  case  the  second  Vice-presi- 
dent takes  charge,  owing  to  the 
absolute  vacancy  of  the  Presidency 
and  of  the  first  Vice-presidency,  or 
if  this  vacancy  occurs  during  the 
time  he  is  in  charge,  he  shall  im- 
mediate!}7 call  the  Senate  to  meet 
for  the  election  of  the  person  who 
shall  replace  him. 

Art.  75.  The  powers  originally 
and  exclusively  vested  in  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  of  Vene- 
zuela, are  the  following: 

1.  To  appoint  and  remove  the 
cabinet  Ministers. 

2.  To  receive  and  welcome  the 
public  ministers  of  other  nations. 

3.  To  sign  the  official  letters  to 
the  sovereigns  or  chief  magistrates 
of  other  countries. 

4.  To  administer  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Federal  District  ac- 
cording to  law  and  to  act  therein 
as  the  chief  civil  and  political 
authority. 

5.  To  administer  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Federal  Territories  ac- 
cording to  their  own  organic  laws. 

6.  To  direct  the  operations  of 


CONSTITUTION. 


217 


el  Ejercito  en  persona,  6  nombrar 
quien  haya  de  hacerlo. 

7\  Separarse  transitoriaraente 
de  la  capital  de  la  Republica, 
cuando  lo  exijan  asuntos  de  interes 
publico;  pudiendo  tambien  sepa- 
rarse por  algiin  tiempo  del  ejerci- 
cio  del  cargo,  para  lo  cual  llamara 
al  que  deba  reemplazarlo  con  arre- 
glo  a  esta  Constitucion;  y  al  cesar 
la  causa  que  produjo  la  separacion, 
se  reencargara,  bastando  al  efecto 
que  asi  lo  comunique  al  que  este* 
desempefiando  la  Primera  Magis- 
tratura. 

Art.  76.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Union  esta  en  el  deber  de  presentar 
al  Congreso,  por  si  6  por  medio  de 
uno  de  sus  Ministros,  dentro  de  los 
diez  primeros  dias  de  las  sesiones 
ordinarias,  un  Mensaje  sintetico 
en  el  que  de  cuenta  de  sus  actos 
administrativos  y  politicos,  in- 
forme  del  estado  de  la  Republica 
e  indique  las  mejoras  que  convenga 
adoptar  en  la  legislacion  vigente. 

Art.  77.  El  Presidente  de  los 
Estados  Unidos  de  Venezuela  no 
podra  ser  reelegido  para  el  periodo 
inmediato. 

Art.  78.  La  ley  senalara  el 
sueldo  que  haya  de  percibir  el 
Presidente  de  la  Republica  6  el 
que  haga  sus  veces,  sueldo  que  no 
podra  ser  aumentado  sino  para 
el  periodo  constitucional  siguiente. 

Art.  79.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica,  6  el  que  haga  sus  veces, 
es  responsable  por  traicion  a  la  Pa- 
tria  y  por  delitos  comunes. 

secci6n  iv. 

De  las  atribuciones  del  Ejecutivo 
Federal. 

Art.  80.  Son  atribuciones  del 
Ejecutivo  Federal: 

la.  Mandar  ejecutar  y  cuidar  de 
que  se  cumplan  y  ejecuten  esta 
Constitucion  y  las  leyes  y  decretos 


war,  command  in  person  the  army 
or  appoint  some  one  else  in  his 
place. 

7.  To  leave  temporarily  the  capi- 
tal of  the  Republic,  when  so  de- 
manded by  the  public  interest, 
also  to  withdraw  temporarily  from 
the  exercise  of  his  functions,  in 
which  case  he  shall  call  the  person 
qualified  to  do  so  under  this  Con- 
stitution to  take  his  place,  it  being 
understood  that  when  the  cause  of 
his  withdrawal  ceases,  he  shall 
again  take  charge  of  the  office, 
with  no  other  formality  than  giving 
notice  thereof  to  the  official  who  is 
acting  as  President. 

Art.  76.  The  President  of  the 
Union  shall  lay  before  Congress 
personally,  or  through  one  of  his 
Ministers,  within  the  first  ten  days 
of  the  ordinary  sessions,  a  compre- 
hensive message  in  which  he  shall 
give  an  account  of  his  administra- 
tive and  political  acts,  the  condition 
of  public  affairs  in  the  Republic 
and  the  improvements,  if  any,  to 
be  made  in  the  existing  legislation. 

Art.  77.  The  President  of  the 
United  States  of  Venezuela  shall 
not  be  reelected  for  the  next  suc- 
ceeding period. 

Art.  78.  The  law  shall  establish 
the  salary  to  be  paid  to  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic  or  to  the  func- 
tionary who  replaces  him,  and  this 
salary  shall  not  be  increased,  unless 
the  increase  is  to  take  place  in  the 
following  constitutional  period. 

Art.  79.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  or  the  functionary  who 
replaces  him,  is  responsible  for 
treason  and  for  common  offenses 

SECTION    IV. 

Powers  vested  in  the  Federal 

Executive. 

Art.  80.  The  powers  vested  in 
the  Federal  Executive  are: 

1.  To  cause  this  Constitution 
and  the  laws  and  decrees  of  the 
National  Congress  to  be  complied 


218 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF   VENEZUELA. 


del  Congreso  Nacional  y  hacerlos 
publicar  en  la  Gaoeta  Oficial, 
dentro  de  los  quince  primeros  dias 
de  haberlos  recibido,  salvTo  lo  dis- 
puesto  en  la  atribucion  12a  del 
articulo  52. 

2a.  Expedir  los  decretos  6  regla- 
mentos  para  la  mejor  ejecucion  de 
las  leyes,  siempre  que  la  ley  lo 
exija  6  establezca  en  su  texto, 
cuidando  de  no  alterar  el  espiritu 
y  la  razon  de  la  ley. 

3\  Convocar  extraordinaria- 
mente  al  Congreso  cuando  lo  exija 
la  gravedad  de  algun  asunto. 

4a.  Organizar  el  Ejercito  y  la 
Milicia  Nacional  conforme  a  la  ley. 

5a.  Preservar  a  la  Nacion  de 
todo  ataque  exterior. 

6a.  Declarar  la  guerra. 

7a.  Defender  el  Distrito  Federal 
cuando  haya  serios  temores  de 
que  pueda  ser  invadido  por  fuer- 
zas  extranas. 

8a.  Hacer  uso  en  los  casos  de 
guerra  extranjera  6  de  conmocion 
interior  6  rebelion  a  mano  armada 
contra  las  instituciones,  previa 
declaracion  de  estar  trastornado  el 
orden  publico,  y  hasta  el  restable- 
cimiento  de  la  paz,  de  las  siguien- 
tes  facultades: 

A.  Pedir  a  los  Estados  los  auxi- 
,ios    necesarios    para    la  defensa 

nacional  6  de  las  instituciones. 

B.  Exigir  anticipadamente  las 
contribuciones. 

C.  Arrestar,  confinar  6  expulsar 
del  territorio  de  la  Repiiblica  a 
los  individuos,  nacionales  6  extran- 
jeros,  que  sean  contrarios  al  res- 
tablecimiento  de  la  paz. 

D.  Suspender  los  derechos  cuyo 
ejercicio  sea  incompatible  con  la 
defensa  del  pais  6  el  restableci- 
miento  del  orden,  excepto  el  de  la 
inviolabilidad  de  la  vida. 

E.  SeiTalar  el  lugar  donde  deba 
trasladarse  transitoriamente  el  Po- 
der  General  de  la  Union,  cuando 
haya  graves  motivos  para  ello. 

F.  Disponer  el  enjuiciamiento 
por  traicion  a  la  Patria,  de  los 


with  and  obeyed,  as  well  as  pub- 
lished in  the  Official  Gazette  with- 
in fifteen  days  after  their  being 
received,  except  as  provided  in 
item  12  of  article  52. 

2.  To  issue  decrees  or  rules  for 
the  better  execution  of  the  laws 
whenever  it  may  be  necessary, 
taking  care,  however,  that  the 
spirit  or  intent  of  said  laws  is  not 
affected  thereby. 

3.  To  call  Congress  to  extraor- 
dinary session  when  so  demanded 
by  the  gravity  of  the  occasion. 

4.  To  organize  the  army  and  the 
national  militia  according  to  law. 

5.  To  preserve  the  Nation  from 
any  foreign  attack. 

6.  To  declare  war. 

7.  To  defend  the  Federal  Dis- 
trict when  there  are  serious  ap- 
prehensions that  it  may  be  invaded 
by  foreign  forces. 

8.  To  make  use,  in  cases  of  for- 
eign war,  or  domestic  disturbance, 
or  rebellion  in  arms  against  the 
institutions,  upon  previous  dec- 
laration that  public  order  is  dis- 
turbed, and  only  for  the  time  of 
the  disturbance,  of  the  following 
faculties: 

A.  To  ask  the  States  for  the 
aid  necessary  to  defend  the  nation 
and  its  institutions. 

B.  To  collect  taxes  in  advance. 

C.  To  arrest,  confine,  or  expel 
from  the  territory  of  the  Republic, 
citizens  or  foreigners  interfering 
with  the  reestablishment  of  peace. 

D.  To  suspend  the  rights  the 
exercise  of  which  may  be  incom- 
patible with  the  defense  of  the 
country  or  the  reestablishment  of 
order,  except  the  inviolability  of 
life. 

E.  To  fix  the  place  where  the 
general  power  of  the  Union  may 
be  established  temporarily  when 
serious  motives  may  demand  it. 

F.  To  prosecute  for  treason 
those  Venezuelans  who  in  any  way 


CONSTITUTION. 


219 


venezolanos  que  de  alguna  manera 
sean  hostiles  a  la  defensa  nacional. 

G.  Expedir  patentes  de  corso  y 
autorizar  represalias. 

9a.  Disponer  de  la  fuerza  pii- 
blica,  en  el  caso  de  ser  ineficaz  la 
interposition  de  sus  buenos  oficios, 
para  poner  termino  a  la  colision 
armada  entre  dos  6  mas  Estados  y 
exigirles  que  depongan  las  armas 
y  sometan  la  decision  de  sus  con- 
troversias  a  lo  dispuesto  en  la  base 
25,  articulo  7  de  esta  Constitution. 
Tambien  ejercera  esta  atribueion, 
caso  de  rebelion  a  mano  armada  en 
cualquiera  de  los  Estados  de  la 
Union,  despues  de  haber  agotado 
los  medios  pacificos  y  conciliato- 
rios  para  restablecer  la  paz  y  orden 
publicos. 

l()a.  Ordenar  al  Procurador  Ge- 
neral de  la  Nation,  que  pida  la  nu- 
lidad  de  todo  acto  que  viole  las 
Bases  de  la  Union,  y  promueva  el 
juicio  de  responsabilidad  corres- 
pondiente. 

lla.  Conceder  amnistias  e  indul- 
tos. 

12a.  Negociar  los  emprestitos 
que  decretare  el  Congreso,  en 
entera  conformidad  con  sus  dis- 
posiciones. 

13a.  Cuidar  y  vigilar  la  recauda- 
cion  de  las  rentas  nacionales. 

14\  Administrar  los  terrenos 
baldios,  minas,  salinas  y  renta  de 
tabaco  y  aguardiente,  conforme  a 
la  ley. 

15a.  Dirigir  las  negociaciones 
diplomaticas  y  celebrar  toda  espe- 
cie  de  tratados  con  otras  naciones, 
por  medio  de  los  Agentes  Diplo- 
matics de  la  Republica,  some- 
tiendo  dichos  tratados  al  Con- 
greso Nacional,  para  los  ef ectos  de 
la  atribueion  12  del  articulo  52. 

16a.  Celebrar  los  contratos  de 
interes  national  con  arreglo  a  las 
leyes. 

17a.  Reglamentar  el  servicio  de 
Correos,  Telegrafos  y  Telefonos 
Federales;  pudiendo  crear  6  su- 
primir  estaciones  u  oficinas  que 


may    be   hostile  to  the    national 
defense. 

G.  To  issue  letters  of  marque 
and  reprisals. 

9.  To  make  use  of  the  public 
force  in  case  that  the  interposition 
of  its  good  offices  proves  to  be  in- 
sufficient to  put  an  end  to  an  armed 
conflict  between  two  or  more  States 
and  compel  them  to  depose  arms 
and  cause  their  controversies  to  be 
decided  according  to  item  25  of 
article  7  of  this  Constitution.  This 
power  shall  also  be  exercised  in 
case  of  armed  rebellion  in  any  of 
the  States  of  the  Union,  after  all 
peaceful  and  conciliatory  means  to 
reestablish  peace  and  public  order 
are  exhausted. 

10.  To  direct  the  Attorney -gen- 
eral of  the  Nation  to  ask  the  an- 
nulment of  any  act  violating  the 
Bases  of  the  Union,  and  to  initiate 
impeachment  proceedings  when- 
ever proper. 

11.  To  grant  amnesties  and 
pardons. 

12.  To  negotiate  the  loans  or- 
dered by  Congress,  in  strict  con- 
formity with  the  law  authorizing 
them. 

13.  To  take  charge  of  and  su- 
perintend the  collection  of  the 
national  revenue. 

11.  To  manage  the  public  lands, 
mines,  salt  mines,  and  the  tobacco 
and  alcohol  revenue,  according  to 
law. 

15.  To  conduct  diplomatic  nego- 
tiations and  conclude  all  kinds  of 
treaties  with  other  nations  through 
the  diplomatic  agents  of  the  Re- 
public, submitting  said  treaties  to 
the  national  Congress  for  the  pur- 
poses set  forth  in  item  12  of  article 
52. 

16.  To  enter  into  contracts  of 
national  interest  according  to  law. 

17.  To  regulate  the  Federal 
post-office,  telegraphic  and  tele- 
phonic services,  with  power  to 
create  or  abolish  stations  or  offices 


220 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


reclamen  urgentemente  estas  me- 
dietas, dando  cuenta  al  Congreso 
en  su  proxima  reunion. 

18a.  Dictar  las  medidas  necesa- 
rias  para  que  se  haga  el  Censo  de 
las  poblaciones  de  la  Republica 
cada  diez  anos. 

19\  Expedir  patentes  de  nave- 
gacion  a  los  buques  nacionales. 

20a.  Expedir  cartas  de  nacionali- 
dad  conforme  a  la  ley. 

21a.  Permitir  6  no  la  admision 
de  extranjeros  al  servicio  de  la 
Republica. 

22a.  Prohibir,  cuando  lo  estime 
conveniente,  la  entrada  en  terri- 
torio  nacional,  6  expulsar  de  el,  a 
los  extranjeros  que  no  tengan  do- 
micilio  establecido  en  el  pais. 

23a.  Prohibir  e  impedir  la  en- 
trada al  territorio  de  la  Republica, 
de  los  extranjeros  dedicados  espe- 
cialmente  al  servicio  de  cualquier 
culto  6  religion,  cualquiera  que 
sea  el  orden  6  jerarquia  de  que  se 
hallen  investidos. 

24a.  Nombrar  los  empleados  na- 
cionales cuyo  nombramiento  no, 
este  atribuido  a  otro  funcionario. 

25a.  Remover  los  empleados  de 
su  libre  eleccion  y  mandar  sus- 
penderlos  6  enjuiciarlos,  si  hubiere 
motivo  para  ello. 

26a.  Desempenar  las  demas  f  un- 
ciones  que  le  atribuyan  las  leyes. 

secci6n  v. 

De  los  Ministros  del  Despacho. 

Art.  81.  El  Presidente  de  los 
Estados  Unidos  de  Venezuela 
tendra  para  su  Despacho  los  Mi- 
nistros que  senale  la  ley.  Esta 
determinara  sus  funciones  y  debe- 
res  y  organizara  sus  Secretarias. 

Art.  82.  Para  poder  ser  Minis- 
tro  del  Despacho  se  requiere  ser 
venezolano  por  nacimiento  y 
haber  cumplido  veinticinco  anos. 

Art.  83.  Los  Ministros  son  los 
organos  legales,  unicos  y  precisos 


when  urgently  required,  reporting 
said  action  to  Congress  at  its  next 
meeting. 

18.  To  adopt  such  measures  as 
may  be  necessary  for  the  taking  of 
the  census  of  the  Republic  every 
ten  years. 

19.  To  issue  patents  of  naviga- 
tion to  all  national  vessels. 

20.  To  issue  certificates  of  na- 
tionality according  to  law. 

21.  To  allow  or  forbid  foreign- 
ers to  enter  the  service  of  the  Re- 
public. 

22.  To  forbid,  when  so  deemed 
expedient,  the  admission  into  the 
national  territor3T,ortoexpel  there- 
from, foreigners  who  have  no  estab- 
lished domicile  in  the  country. 

23.  To  prohibit  and  impede  the 
entrance  into  the  territory  of  the 
Republic  of  foreigners  especially 
engaged  in  the  service  of  any  wor- 
ship, or  religion,  no  matter  what 
their  order  or  rank  may  be. 

24.  To  appoint  the  national  em- 
ployees whose  appointment  is  not 
to  be  made  by  another  functionary. 

25.  To  remove  the  functionaries 
freely  appointed  by  it,  or  direct 
that  they  may  be  suspended  or 
tried  if  there  is  any  reason  therefor. 

26.  To  discharge  all  other  func- 
tions entrusted  to  it  by  law. 

SECTION  v. 

The  cabinet  Ministers. 

Art.  81.  The  President  of  the 
United  States  of  Venezuela  shall 
have  the  cabinet  Ministers  which 
the  law  may  determine.  The  law 
shall  also  establish  the  powers  and 
duties  of  these  functionaries  and 
shall  organize  their  departments. 

Art.  82.  To  be  a  cabinet  Minis- 
ter it  is  necessary  to  be  a  Vene- 
zuelan by  birth,  over  twenty -five 
years  of  age. 

Art.  83.  The  Ministers  are  the 
only  legal  and    necessary  organs 


CONSTITUTION. 


221 


del  Presidente  de  los  Estados 
Unidos  de  Venezuela.  Todos  los 
actos  de  este  seran  refrendados 
por  aquel  6  aquellos  de  los  Minis- 
tros  a  cuyos  ramos  correspondan 
dichos  actos;  y  sin  este  requisito 
carecen  de  eficaeia  y  no  seran  cum- 
plidos  ni  ejecutados  por  las  auto- 
ridades,  empleados  6  particulares. 

Art.  84.  Todos  los  actos  de  los 
Ministros  deben  arreglarse  a  esta 
Constitucion  y  a  las  leyes;  su  res- 
ponsabilidad  personal  no  se  salva 
por  la  orden  del  Presidente,  aun- 
que  la  reciban  escrita. 


Art.  85.  La  responsabilidad  de 
los  actos  del  Presidente  que  deban 
resolverse  en  Consejo  de  Ministros 
corresponde  a  los  que  los  refren- 
den. 

Art.  86.  Los  Ministros  daran 
cuenta  a  las  Camaras,  cada  dos 
aiTos,  dentro  de  los  diez  prinieros 
dfas  de  sus  sesiones  ordinarias,  en 
Memorias  razonadas  y  documen- 
tadas,  de  lo  que  hubieren  hecho  6 
pretendieren  hacer  en  sus  respec- 
tivos  ramos.  Tambien  daran  los 
informes  escritos  6  verbales  que 
se  les  pidan,  y  pres~ntaran  igual- 
mente,  dentro  de  los  primeros  diez 
dias  del  segundo  mes  de  las  sesiones 
de  las  Camaras,  el  Presupuesto 
General  de  Rentas  y  Gastos,  y  la 
cuenta  general  de  los  dos  anos  an- 
teriores. 

Art.  87.  Los  Ministros  tienen 
derecho  de  palabraen  las  Camaras, 
y  estan  obligados  a  concurrir  a 
ellas  cuando  sean  llamados  a  infor- 
mal-. 

Art.  88.  Los  Ministros  son  res- 
ponsables: 

1°.  Por  traicion  a  la  Patria. 

2°.  Por  inf  raccion  de  la  Consti- 
tucion y  de  las  leyes. 

3°.  Por  hacer  mayores  gastos 
que  los  presupuestos. 

4°.  Por  soborno  6  cohecho  en  el 


of  the  President  of  the  United 
States  of  Venezuela.  All  his  acts 
shall  be  countersigned  by  the  Min- 
ister or  Ministers  to  whose  de- 
partments the  acts  may  belong, 
and  without  this  formality  the  acts 
shall  be  void  and  shall  not  be 
obeyed  or  carried  into  execution 
by  authorities,  functionaries,  or 
private  persons. 

Art.  84.  All  the  acts  of  the 
Ministers  shall  be  in  accordance 
with  this  Constitution  and  the 
laws.  An  order  to  the  contrary 
from  the  President  of  the  Repub- 
lic, even  if  given  in  writing,  shall 
not  exempt  them  from  responsi- 
bility. 

Art.  85.  The  responsibility  for 
those  acts  of  the  President  which 
must  be  transacted  in  cabinet  meet- 
ings corresponds  to  the  Ministers 
who  countersigned  them. 

Art.  86.  The  Ministers  shall 
submit  to  the  Chambers,  every  two 
years,  within  the  first  ten  days  of 
their  ordinary  sessions,  an  item- 
ized report,  accompanied  with  doc- 
uments, of  what  has  been  done,  or 
is  intended  to  be  done,  by  them, 
in  their  respective  Departments. 
They  shall  also  give  the  written  or 
verbal  information  which  may  be 
asked  of  them,  and  they  shall  sub- 
mit likewise  within  the  first  ten 
days  of  the  second  month  of  the 
sessions  of  the  Chambers  the  gen- 
eral budget  of  revenue  and  ex- 
penditure and  the  general  account 
of  the  two  preceding  years. 

Art.  87.  The  Ministers  shall  be 
entitled  to  the  floor  of  the  Cham- 
bers and  to  address  them.  They 
shall  also  be  bound  to  appear  be- 
fore them  when  summoned  to  give 
information. 

Art.  88.  The  Ministers  shall  be 
responsible: 

1.  For  treason. 

2.  For  violation  of  the  Consti- 
tution and  the  laws. 

3.  For  spending  money  in  excess 
of  the  appropriation. 

4.  For  bribery  in  the  transac- 


222 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


despacho  de  los  negocios  a  su  cargo, 
6  en  nombramientos  de  empleados 
publicos. 

5°.  Por  malversacion  de  los  fon- 
dos  publicos. 

6°.  Por  delitos  comunes. 

titul.o  vii. 

secci6n  i. 
Del  Poder  Judicial. 

Art.  89.  El  Poder  Judicial  de 
la  Republica  reside  en  la  Corte 
Federal  y  de  Casacion  y  en  los  de- 
mas  Tribunales  y  Juzgados  que 
establezcan  las  leyes. 

Art.  90.  Los  empleados  del 
Poder  Judicial  son  responsables, 
en  los  casos  que  determine  la  ley: 
por  traicion  a  la  Patria ;  por  soborno 
o  cohecho  en  el  desempeno  de  sus 
funciones;  por  infraction  de  la 
Constitucion  y  de  las  leyes;  y  por 
delitos  comunes. 

secci6n  ii. 

De  la  Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion. 

Art.  91.  La  Corte  Federal  y 
de  Casacion  es  el  Tribunal  Su- 
premo de  la  Federaeion  y  de  los 
Estados,  y  se  compondra  de  siete 
Vocales  que  elegira  el  Congreso, 
dentro  de  los  primeros  treinta  dias 
de  su  reunion  en  el  primer  afio  de 
cada  periodo  constitucional. 

Parrafo  unico.  Los  Vocales  de 
la  Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion 
deberan  ser  venezolanos  por  naci- 
miento,  mayores  de  treinta  afios  y 
abogados  de  la  Republica. 

Art.  92.  Para  el  nombramiento 
de  la  Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion 
se  agruparan  las  representaciones, 
en  el  Congreso,  de  los  Estados  y 
del  Distrito  Federal,  en  la  forma 
que  sigue,  y  presentara  cada  agru- 
pacion  dos  candidatos  para  que,  de 
entre  ellos,  elija  el  Congreso  el 
miembro  de  la  Corte  Federal  y  de 
Casacion  que  hay  a  de  representar 
en  esta  cada  agrupacion. 


tion  of  business  or  in  the  appoint- 
ment of  national  functionaries. 

5.  For  embezzlement  of  public 
funds. 

6.  For  common  offenses. 

TITLE  VII. 

SECTION    I. 

Judicial  power. 

Art.  89.  The  judicial  power  of 
the  Republic  is  vested  in  the  su- 
preme Federal  court  and  in  the 
other  tribunals  and  courts  which 
may  be  established  by  law. 

Art.  90.  The  functionaries  of 
the  judicial  power  are  responsible, 
in  the  cases  determined  by  law, 
for  treason,  bribery  in  the  ful- 
fillment of  their  functions,  viola- 
tion of  the  constitutional  laws, 
and  common  offenses. 


SECTION    II. 

Supreme  Federal  Court. 

Art.  91.  The  supreme  Federal 
court  is  the  supreme  tribunal  of 
the  Federation  and  of  the  States, 
and  shall  consist  of  seven  members 
elected  by  Congress,  within  the 
first  thirty  days  of  its  session,  in 
the  first  year  of  each  constitu- 
tional period. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  members 
of  the  supreme  Federal  court 
shall  be  Venezuelans  by  birth, 
thirty  years  of  age  and  lawyers 
of  the  Republic. 

Art.  92.  For  the  appointment 
of  the  members  of  the  supreme 
Federal  court  the  representatives 
in  Congress  of  the  States  and  of 
the  Federal  District  shall  be 
grouped  as  herein  provided,  and 
each  group  shall  nominate  two 
candidates  from  among  whom  Con- 
gress shall  choose  one  who  shall 
represent  the  group  in  the  said 
court. 


CONSTITUTION. 


223 


Primera  agrupacion:  Estado 
Miranda  y  Distrito  Federal. 

Segunda  agrupacion:  Estados 
Aragua  y  Guarico. 

Tercera  agrupacion :  Estados 
Carabobo  y  Zamora. 

Cuarta  agrupacion:  Estados 
Lara  y  Falcon. 

Quinta  agrupacion :  Estados 
Tachira  y  Trujillo. 

Sexta  agrupacion:  Estados  Me- 
rida  y  Zulia. 

Septima  agrupacion:  Estados 
Bermudez  3^  Bolivar. 

Akt.  93.  La  Corte  Federal  y  de 
Casacion  sera  elegida  por  el  Con- 
greso  por  votacion  secreta  y  en 
sesion  permanente. 

Parrafo  unico.  Los  siete  candi- 
dates designados  por  las  agrupa- 
ciones,  que  no  resultaren  elegidos 
Vocales  de  la  Corte  Federal  y  de 
Casacion,  quedaran  de  hecho  como 
suplentes  de  los  respectivos  Vo- 
cales. 

Art.  94.  Los  Miembros  de  la 
Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion  du- 
ra ran  seis  anos,  pudiendo  ser  re- 
elegidos;  y  las  faltas  absolutas  de 
principales  y  suplentes  se  llenaran 
por  el  Congreso  y,  en  receso  de 
este,  por  el  Presidente  de  la  Re- 

Eublica,  y  a  este  efecto  la  Corte 
ara  las  participaciones  del  caso. 


Art.  95.  Son  atribuciones  de  la 
Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion: 

la.  Conocer  de  las  acusaciones 
contra  el  Presidente  de  la  Repii- 
blica,  6  el  que  haga  sus  veces,  contra 
los  Ministros  del  Despacho,  Pro- 
curador  General  de  la  Naci6n, 
Gobernador  del  Distrito  Federal 
y  contra  sus  propios  miembros,  en 
los  casos  en  que  dichos  f  uncionarios 
son  responsables  segun  esta  Cons- 
titution. 

2a.  Conocer  de  las  causas  crimi- 
nales  6  de  responsabilidad  que  se 
formen  a  los  Presidentes  de  los 
Estados  y  a  otros  Altos  Funciona- 
rios  de  los  mismos  que  las  leyes  de 
estos    determinen;    aplicando    en 


First  group:  State  of  Miranda 
and  the  Federal  District. 

Second  group:  States  of  Aragua 
and  Guarico. 

Third  group:  States  of  Cara- 
bobo and  Zamora. 

Fourth  group:  States  of  Lara 
and  Falcon. 

Fifth  group:  States  of  Tachira 
and  Trujillo. 

Sixth  group:  States  of  Merida 
and  Zulia. 

Seventh  group:  States  of  Ber- 
mudez and  Bolivar. 

Art.  93.  The  members  of  the 
supreme  Federal  court  shall  be 
elected  by  Congress  by  secret  vote 
and  in  permanent  session. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  seven 
candidates  of  the  groups,  who  are 
not  elected,  shall,  by  this  very  fact, 
be  considered  substitutes,  respec- 
tively, of  the  elected  members. 


Art.  94.  The  members  of  the 
supreme  Federal  court  shall  hold 
office  for  six  years  and  may  be  re- 
elected. The  .absolute  vacancies 
of  the  places  of  members  and  sub- 
stitutes shall  be  filled  by  Congress, 
and  during  its  recess  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic.  The  court 
shall  be  bound  to  give  notice  to 
either  Congress  or  the  President 
when  a  vacancy  occurs. 

Art.  95.  The  supreme  Federal 
court  has  power: 

1.  To  take  cognizance  of  cases 
of  impeachment  of  the  President 
of  the  Republic  or  of  the  official 
acting  as  such,  the  cabinet  Minis- 
ters, the  Attorney -general  of  the 
nation,  the  Governor  of  the  Fed- 
eral District,  and  its  own  members, 
in  the  cases  in  which  said  func- 
tionaries are  responsible  accord- 
ing to  this  Constitution. 

2.  To  take  cognizance  of  crim- 
inal prosecutions,  or  of  im- 
peachment proceedings,  instituted 
against  the  Presidents  of  the 
States,  or  other  high  functionaries 
of  said  States,  according  to  the 


224 


THE    UNITED   STATES   OF   VENEZUELA. 


materia  de  responsabilidad  las  ley  es 
de  los  propios  Estados,  y  en  caso 
de  falta  de  ellas,  las  generates  de  la 
Nacion. 

En  los  dos  casos  anteriores  la 
Corte  declarara  si  hay  6  no  lugar 
a  formacion  de  causa;  si  declarare 
lo  primero,  quedara  de  hecho  en 
suspenso  el  funcionario  acusado; 
si  lo  segundo,  cesara  todo  proce- 
dimiento.  Cuando  el  delito  fuese 
comiin,  pasara  el  asunto  a  los  tri- 
bunales  ordinarios;  y  cuando  fuere 
de  naturaleza  politica  continuara 
conociendo  la  Corte  hasta  sentencia 
definitiva. 

3a.  Conocer  de  las  causas  civiles 
6  criminales  que  se  forraen  a  los 
empleados  diplomaticos  en  los 
casos  permitidos  por  el  Derecho 
publico  de  las  naciones. 

4a.  Conocer  de  las  causas  de  res- 
ponsabilidad que  por  mal  desem- 
peno  de  sus  funciones,  se  formen 
a  los  Agentes  Diplomaticos  de  la 
Reptiblica  acreditados  cerca  de 
otros  paises. 

5ft.  Conocer  de  los  juicios  civiles 
cuando  sea  demandada  la  Nacion 
y  lo  determine  la  ley. 

6a.  Conocer  del  recurso  de  casa- 
cion  en  la  forma  y  terminos  que 
establezca  la  ley. 

7a.  Conocer  de  las  causas  de 
presas. 

8a.  Dirimir,  salvo  las  excep- 
ciones  establecidas  en  los  articulos 
3  y  126  de  esta  Constitution,  las 
controversias  que  se  susciten  entre 
los  funcionarios  del  orden  politico 
de  diferentes  Estados,  entre  los  de 
uno  6  mas  Estados  y  los  de  la 
Union  6  del  Distrito  Federal,  entre 
los  de  la  Union  entre  si  6  con  los 
del  Distrito  Federal,  y  entre  Tribu- 
nales  y  Funcionarios  Nacionales 
en  materia  del  resorte  de  la  Corte. 


9a.  Dirimir  las  competencias  que 
se  susciten  entre  los  empleados  6 


laws  thereof.  In  cases  of  impeach- 
ment the  laws  of  the  respective 
States  shall  prevail,  but  there  being 
no  State  laws,  the  general  laws  of 
the  Nation  shall  be  observed. 

In  the  two  preceding  cases  the 
court  shall  decide  whether  or  not 
the  trial- shall  take  place.  If  the 
decision  is  affirmative,  the  func- 
tionary shall  by  this  fact  be  sus- 
pended; and  if  it  is  negative,  the 
proceedings  shall  be  at  once  dis- 
continued. When  the  offense  is  a 
common  one  the  case  shall  be  re- 
ferred to  the  ordinary  tribunals, 
and  when  it  is  political  the  court 
shall  go  on  with  the  proceedings 
until  final  decision. 

3.  To  take  cognizance  of  civil 
or  criminal  prosecutions  against 
diplomatic  agents,  in  the  cases  al- 
lowed by  the  Public  law  of  nations. 

4.  To  take  cognizance  of  cases 
of  impeachment  of  diplomatic 
agents  of  the  Republic  accredited 
to  other  countries,  for  malfeasance 
in  office. 

5.  To  take  cognizance  of  the 
civil  cases  in  which  the  Nation  ap- 
pears as  defendant,  when  so  allowed 
by  law. 

6.  To  take  cognizance,  on  writs 
of  error,  in  the  form  and  terms 
established  by  law,  of  all  cases  in 
which  this  remed}7  is  allowed. 

7.  To  take  cognizance  of  prize 
cases. 

8.  To  decide,  except  in  the  cases 
established  in  articles  3  and  126 
of  this  Constitution,  the  contro- 
versies that  may  arise  between 
political  functionaries  of  different 
States,  between  those  of  one  or 
more  States  and  those  of  the 
Union  or  the  Federal  District, 
between  those  of  the  Union  among 
themselves  or  with  those  of  the 
Federal  District,  and  between  na- 
tional tribunals  and  functionaries 
in  matters  within  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  court. 

9.  To  decide  the  conflicts  of 
jurisdiction  that  may  arise  between 


CONSTITUTION. 


225 


funcionarios  del  orden  judicial  de 
distintos  Estados  y  entre  los  de 
estos  con  las  nacionales  6  del  Dis- 
trito  Federal,  y  entre  los  de  un 
mismo  Estado  6  del  Distrito  Fe- 
deral, sienipre  que  no  exista  en 
ellos  autoridad  llamada  a  diriinir- 
las. 

10\  Declarar  la  nulidad  de  las 
leyes  nacionales,  6  de  los  Estados, 
cuando  colidan  con  la  Constitucion 
de  la  Republica. 

lla.  Declarar  cual  sea  la  ley  vi- 
gente  cuando  se  hallen  en  colision 
las  nacionales  entre  si  6  estas  con 
las  de  los  Estados. 

12\  Declarar  la  nulidad  de  todos 
los  actos  de  las  Camaras  Legisla- 
tivas  6  del  Ejecutivo  Federal  que 
v iolen  los  derechos  garantizados  a 
los  Estados  6  que  ataquen  su  auto- 
nomia. 

13a.  Declarar  la  n ulidad  de  todos 
los  actos  a  que  se  refieren  los  arti- 
culos  24  y  25  de  esta  Constitucion, 
sienipre  que  emanen  de  autoridad 
nacional  6  del  Distrito  Federal  6  de 
Altos  Funcionarios  de  los  Estados. 

14a.  Conocerdelascontroversias 
que  resulten  de  los  contratos  6  ne- 
gociaciones  que  celebrare  el  Presi- 
dente  de  la  Republica. 

15a.  Declarar,  salvo  lo  que  dis- 
pongan  tratados  publicos,  la  f  uerza 
ejecutoria  de  las  sentencias  de  las 
autoridades  extranjeras,  con  suje- 
cion  a  las  condiciones  que  establezca 
la  ley. 

16\  Las  demas  atribuciones  que 
le  seiialen  esta  Constitucion  y  las 
leyes. 

Art.  96.  La  Corte  Federal  y  de 
Casacion  dara  cada  dos  anos,  al 
Congreso  Nacional  cuenta  de  sus 
trabajos,  y  al  propio  tiempo  le  in- 
f  ormara  de  los  inconvenientes  que, 
a  su  juicio,  se  opongan  a  la  uni- 
formidad  de  la  legislacion  civil, 
criminal  y  raercantil. 

Art.    97.  Los    Vocales     de    la 
Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion  que 
360a— vol  1—06 15 


judicial  employees  or  functionaries 
of  different  States,  and  between 
those  of  the  States  with  those  of 
the  nation,  or  of  the  Federal  Dis- 
trict, and  between  those  of  one 
State  or  of  the  Federal  District 
with  each  other,  when  there  is 
no  other  authority  especially  called 
upon  to  decide  them. 

10.  To  declare  the  nullity  of 
such  laws,  national  or  State,  which 
conflict  with  the  Constitution  of 
the  Republic. 

11.  To  declare  which  laws  shall 
prevail  when  the  national  ones  are 
in  conflict  with  each  other,  or  with 
those  of  the  States. 

12.  To  declare  the  nullit}T  of  any 
act  or  acts  of  the  legislative  Cham- 
ber or  of  the  Federal  Executive, 
when  done  in  violation  of  the  rights 
guaranteed  to  the  States  or  attack- 
ing the  autonomy  of  the  same. 

13.  To  declare  the  nullity  of  all 
the  acts  referred  to  in  articles  24 
and  25  of  this  Constitution,  when 
done  by  a  national  authority  or  by 
one  of  the  Federal  District  or  by 
high  functionaries  of  the  States. 

14.  To  take  cognizance  of  all  the 
controversies  arising  out  of  con- 
tracts or  negotiations  entered  into 
by  the  President  of  the  Republic. 

15.  To  declare,  save  in  case  of 
treaty  stipulation  to  the  contrary, 
when  and  in  what  cases  foreign 
judgments  can  be  enforced  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  conditions  estab- 
lished by  law. 

16.  All  the  other  powers  that 
may  be  granted  to  it  by  this  Con- 
stitution and  the  laws. 

Art.  96.  The  supreme  Federal 
court  shall  render,  ever}7  two  years, 
to  the  National  Congress,  an  ac- 
count of  its  labors,  setting  forth 
at  the  same  time  what  obstacles, 
if  any,  are,  in  its  opinion,  to 
be  overcome  to  secure  uniformity 
of  civil,  criminal,  and  commercial 
legislation. 

Art.  97.  The  members  of  the 
supreme  Federal  court  after  hav- 


226 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


hayan  entrado  a  ejercer  sus  fun- 
ciones,  raientras  e]erzan  estas,  no 

Sodran    admitir    empleo    alguno 
ependiente  del  Ejecutivo  Federal. 

Art.  98.  La  ley  senalara  los 
sueldos  que  hayan  de  devengar  los 
Vocales  de  la  Corte  Federal  y  de 
Casacion. 

secci6n  hi. 

Del  Procurador  General  de  la 

Nacion. 

Art.  99.  El  Ministerio  Publico 
corre  a,  cargo  del  Procurador  Ge- 
neral de  la  Nacion,  conforme  lo 
determine  la  ley. 

Art.  100.  Para  ser  Procurador 
se  requiere  ser  venezolano  por 
naciiniento,  mayor  de  treinta  anos 
y  abogado  de  la  Republica. 


Art.  101.  El  Procurador  Gene- 
ral durara  en  sus  funciones  dos 
anos,  pudiendo  ser  reelegido;  y 
sus  faltas  absolutas  6  temporales 
se  llenaran  por  dos  suplentes  en  el 
orden  de  su  eleccion. 

Art.  102.  Son  funciones  del 
Procurador  General : 

la.  Promover  la  ejecucion  de  las 
leyes  y  de  las  disposiciones  admi- 
nistrativas. 

2a.  Evacuar  todos  los  informes 
juridicos  que  le  exijan  el  Ejecutivo 
Federal  y  la  Corte  Federal  y  de 
Casacion. 

3a.  Cuidar  de  que  todos  los  em- 
pleados  Federales  llenen  cumpli- 
damente  su  deber. 

4a.  Instaurar  acusacion,  a  exci- 
tation del  Presidente  de  la  Repu- 
blica, ante  la  autoridad  competente, 
de  los  funcionarios  federales  por 
mal  desempeno  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus 
atribuciones  oficiales,  exigiendoles 
la  responsabilidad  consiguiente. 

5a.  Ejercer  el  Ministerio  fiscal 
en  los  juicios  a  que  se  refieren  las 
atribuciones  la,  2a,  4a  y  5a  de  la 
Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion. 

6a.  Dar  cuenta  al  Presidente  de 


ing  entered  into  the  discharge  of 
their  functions  and  during  the  time 
the}7  are  discharging  them,  shall 
not  accept  any  office  in  the  Depart- 
ment of  the  Federal  Government. 
Art.  98.  The  law  shall  deter- 
mine the  salaries  to  be  paid  to  the 
members  of  the  supreme  Federal 
court. 

SECTION   III. 

The   Attorney    General   of  th£ 
Nation,. 

Art.  99.  The  representation 
of  the  Government  in  judicial 
matters  belongs  to  the  Attorney 
General  of  the  Nation  in  the  man- 
ner to  be  established  by  law. 

Art.  100.  To  be  Attorney  Gen- 
eral of  the  Nation  it  is  required  to 
be  a  Venezuelan  by  birth,  over 
thirty  years  of  age  and  a  lawyer 
of  the  Republic. 

Art.  101.  The  Attorney  Gen- 
eral of  the  Nation  shall  serve  for 
two  years  and  may  be  reelected. 
The  temporary  or  absolute  vacancy 
of  his  place  shall  be  filled  by  two 
substitutes  in  the  order  of  their 
election. 

Art.  102.  The  powers  of  the 
Attorney  General  are: 

1.  To  cause  the  laws  and  execu- 
tive orders  to  be  enforced. 

2.  To  render  an  opinion  in  mat- 
ters of  law  when  so  requested  by 
the  Federal  Executive  and  the 
supreme  Federal  court. 

3.  To  see  that  all  Federal  func- 
tionaries duly  fulfill  their  duties. 

4.  To  prefer  charges,  in  behalf 
of  the  President  of  the  Republic, 
before  the  competent  authority, 
against  such  Federal  functionaries 
as  may  be  guilty  of  malfeasance 
in  office,  holding  them  to  be  re- 
sponsible for  their  acts. 

5.  To  act  as  prosecuting  officer 
in  the  cases  referred  to  in  items  1, 
2,  4,  and  5  of  article  95  of  this 
Constitution. 

6.  To  report  to  the  President  of 


CONSTITUTION. 


227 


la  Republica  de  sus  gestiones  en  el 
desempeno  de  las  funciones  la,  3a 
y  4a  que  le  atribuye  este  mismo 
articulo. 

7a.  Promover  y  sostener  los  jui- 
cios  en  que  este  interesada  la  Na- 
cion  y  defender  los  derechos  de 
esta  en  las  acciones  6  reclamos  que 
contra  ella  se  intenten,  debiendo 
en  uno  y  otro  caso  cumplir  las 
instruccioues  que  el  Ejecutivo  Fe- 
deral le  comunique. 

8a.  Cumplir  los  demas  deberes 
que  esta  Constitucion  y  la  ley  le 
senalen. 

TITULO  VIII. 

DISPOSICIONES  GENERALES. 

Art.  103.  Todo  lo  que  no  este 
expresamente  atribuido  a  la  Ad- 
ministracion  General  de  la  Nacion 
en  esta  Constitucion,  es  de  la  com- 
petencia  de  los  Estados.  Estos 
determinaran  en  sus  respectivas 
Constituciones  que  los  periodos 
constitucionales  de  sus  Poderes 
Publicos  sean  de  tres  afios,  conta- 
dos  desde  el  1°  de  Enero  de  1905. 

Art.  104.  Se  prohibe  a  todo 
Magistrado,  Autoridad  6  Corpo- 
racion ,  el  ejercicio  de  cualquiera 
funcion  que  no  le  este  expresa- 
mente atribuida  por  la  Constitu- 
cion y  las  leyes. 

Art.  105.  Los  Tribunales  de 
Justicia  en  los  Estados  son  inde- 
pendientes.  Las  causas  en  ellos 
iniciadas  terminaran  en  los  mismos 
Estados,  sin  mas  examen  que  el  de 
la  Corte  Federal  y  de  Casacion,  en 
los  casos  que  la  ley  lo  permite. 

Art.  106.  Todo  acto  de  las  Ca- 
maras  Legislativas  6  del  Ejecutivo 
Federal  que  viole  los  derechos 
garantizados  a  los  Estados,  6  ata- 
que  su  autonomia,  debera  ser  de- 
clarado  nulo  por  la  Corte  Federal 
y  de  Casacion,  conforme  a  su  atri- 
bucion  12a,  articulo  95. 


the  Republic  the  action  taken  by 
him  in  the  fulfillment  of  his  duties 
as  specified  in  items  1,  3,  and  4  of 
the  present  article. 

7.  To  appear  as  plaintiff  in  the 
name  of  the  Nation  in  the  cases  in 
which  the  latter  has  an  interest  to 
maintain,  and  as  defendant  in  all 
suits  or  claims  brought  against  it, 
acting  in  either  case  in  accordance 
with  the  instructions  given  him  by 
the  Federal  Executive. 

8.  To  fulfill  all  the  other  duties 
assigned  to  him  by  the  Constitu- 
tion and  the  laws. 

TITLE  VIII. 
GENERAL  PROVISIONS. 

Art.  103.  All  that  is  not  ex- 
pressly attributed  in  this  Constitu- 
tion to  the  general  administration 
of  the  Nation  shall  belong  to  the 
States.  The  States  shall  provide, 
in  their  respective  Constitutions, 
that  the  constitutional  periods  of 
their  public  powers  are  to  be  of 
three  years  beginning  on  the  first 
of  January,  nineteen  hundred  and 
five. 

Art.  104.  Every  magistrate, 
authority  or  corporation  is  for- 
bidden to  exercise  any  function 
which  has  not  been  especially 
entrusted  to  him  by  the  Constitu- 
tion and  the  laws. 

Art.  105.  The  courts  of  justice 
in  the  States  are  independent. 
The  cases  and  causes  instituted  be- 
fore them  shall  be  ended  in  the 
same  States,  subject  to  no  other 
revision  than  that  of  the  supreme 
Federal  court  when  so  provided 
by  law. 

Art.  106.  All  acts  of  the  legis- 
lative chambers  or  of  the  Federal 
Executive,  which  violate  rights 
guaranteed  to  the  States,  or  im- 
pair their  autonon^,  shall  be  de- 
clared void  by  the  supreme  Federal 
court,  in  use  of  the  powers  given 
it  by  item  12  of  article  95. 


228 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


Art.  107.  La  Fuerza  Publica 
Nacional  se  divide  en  naval  y  te- 
rrestre,  y  se  compondra  de  las 
Milicias  ciudadanas  que  se  orga- 
nieen  conforme  a  la  ley. 

Art.  108.  La  Fuerza  Publica  a 
cargo  del  Poder  Nacional,  se  for- 
mara  de  un  contingente  que,  pro- 
porcionado  a  su  poblacion,  aara 
cada  Estado,  llamando  al  servicio 
a  los  ciudadanos  que  deban  pres- 
tarlo  conforme  a  la  lev. 

Art.  109.  En  caso  de  guerra 
puede  aumentarse  el  contingente 
con  los  cuerpos  de  la  Milicia  ciu- 
dadana  hasta  el  numero  de  hombres 
necesarios  pai*a  llenar  el  pedido 
del  Gobierno  Nacional. 

Art.  110.  La  autoridad  militar 
y  la  civil  nunca  senin  ejercidas 
simultaneamente  por  una  misma 
persona  6  corporacion,  excepto  en 
los  casos  de  perturbacion  del  orden 
publico. 

Art.  111.  En  posesion  como 
esta  la  Nacion  del  derecho  de  Pa- 
tronato  Eclesiastico,  lo  ejercera 
conforme  lo  determina  la  ley  de 
28  de  Julio  de  1824. 

Art.  112.  El  Gobierno  Nacional 
no  tendra  en  los  Estados  ocros 
empleados  residentes  con  jurisdic- 
tion oautoridad,  sino  los  empleados 
de  los  mismos  Estados.  Se  ex- 
ception los  de  Hacienda;  los  de 
Instruccion  Publica;  los  que  haga 
necesarios  la  organ  izacion  que  el 
Congreso  Nacional  de*  a  las  minas, 
terrenos  baldios,  salinas  jr  renta  de 
tabaco  y  aguardiente,  en  uso  de  la 
facultad  que  le  otorga  la  Base  28, 
articulo  7  de  esta  Constitucion; 
los  de  las  fuerzas  que  se  destinen 
para  resguardo  de  las  fronteras  y 
de  las  que  guarnezcan  fortalezas, 

Earques,  apostaderos  y  puertos 
abilitados,  que  solo  tendran  juris- 
diccion  en  lo  peculiar  a  sus  res- 
pectivos  destinos  y  dentro  del  re- 
cinto  de  las  fortalezas  y  cuarteles 
y   de   los  apostaderos  y   puertos 


Art.  107.  The  public  national 
force  shall  consist  of  land  and  sea 
forces,  formed  b3'the  citizens' mili- 
tia which  shall  be  organized  b}T  law. 

Art.  108.  The  public  force  un- 
der the  command  of  the  national 
power  shall  be  made  up  of  contin- 
gents to  be  furnished  by  each  State 
in  proportion  to  its  population,  se- 
lected from  among  those  citizens 
who,  according  to  law,  must  render 
this  service. 

Art.  109.  In  case  of  war  these 
contingents  may  be  increased  by 
calling  on  the  militia  until  the 
number  of  men  necessary  to  fill 
the  demand  of  the  national  govern- 
ment is  complete. 

Art.  110.  Military  and  civil 
authority  shall  never  be  exercised 
simultaneously  by  one  and  the 
same  person  or  corporation,  except 
in  cases  of  disturbances  of  public 
order. 

Art.  111.  The  Nation  being,  as 
it  is,  in  possession  of  the  right  of 
ecclesiastical  patronage  shall  exer- 
cise it  according  to  the  provisions 
of  the  law  of  JuljT  twenty -eighth, 
eighteen  hundred  and  twenty-four. 

Art.  112.  The  National  Govern- 
ment shall  not  have  in  the  States 
an}'  other  employees  residing 
therein,  and  having  jurisdiction  or 
authority,  than  the  employees  of 
the  same  States,  except  the  follow- 
ing: Treasury  emplovees;  those  of 
public  instruction;  those  who  may 
be  required  according  to  the  organ- 
ization that  Congress  may  give  to 
the  service  of  mines,  public  lands, 
and  tobacco  and  alcohol,  according 
to  the  power  vested  in  it  by  item 
28  of  article  7  of  this  Constitution; 
members  of  the  forces  destined  to 
guard  the  frontiers,  or  garrison 
fortresses,  arsenals,  naval  stations, 
and  ports  of  entry,  their  jurisdic- 
tion to  be  limited  to  the  exercise  of 
their  respective  functions  within 
the  limits  of  the  fortresses  and 
armories,  naval  stations,  and  ports 


CONSTITUTION. 


220 


habilitados;  sin  que  por  esto  dejen 
de  estar  sometidos  a  las  leyes  gene- 
rales  del  Estado  en  que  residan,  y 
sujetos  a  ser  inraediamente  removi- 
dos  6  reemplazados  por  el  Ejecu- 
tivo  Federal  6  por  quien  corres- 
ponda,  al  requerirlo  el  Gobierno 
del  Estado  respectivo  por  un  mo- 
tivo  legal. 

Art.  113.  Los  empleados  nacio- 
nales  no  pod  ran  admitir  dadivas, 
cargos,  honores  y  recompensas 
de  naciones  extranjeras  sin  el  con- 
sentimiento  del  Senado. 

Art.  114.  Todos  los  elementos 
de  guerra  pertenecen  a  la  Nacion. 

Art.  115.  Cualquier  ciudadano 
podra  acusar  a  los  empleados  na- 
cionales  y  de  los  Estados,  ante  los 
Tribunafes  6  Autoridades  Supe- 
riores  que  las  leyes  designen. 

Art.  116.  No  se  hara  del  Tesoio 
Nacional  ningun  gasto  para  el  cual 
no  se  haya  aplicado  expresamente 
una  cantidad  por  el  Congreso  en 
el  Presupuesto  General  de  Gastos 
Publicos;  y  los  que  infringieren 
esta  disposicion  seran  civilmente 
responsables  al  Tesoro  Nacional  por 
las  cantidades  que  hubieren  pagado. 
En  toda  erogacion  se  preferiran 
los  gastos  ordinarios  a  los  extra- 
ordinarios. 

Art.  117.  Ni  el  Poder  Legisla- 
tive, ni  ninguna  autoridad  de  la 
Republica,  podra  en  ningun  caso 
ni  por  ningun  motivo,  emitir  papel 
moneda  ni  declarar  de  circulacion 
forzosa  billetes  de  banco,  ni  valor 
alguno  representado  en  papel. 
Tampoco  podra  acordarse  la  acuna- 
cion  de  moneda  de  plata  6  niquel 
sin  previa  autorizacion  del  Con- 
greso Nacional  dada  por  el  mismo 
procedimiento  establecido  para 
sancionar  las  leyes. 

Art.  118.  Las  oficinas  de  re- 
caudacion  de  las  contribuciones 
nacionales  y  las  de  pago,  se  man- 
tendran  siempre  separadas,  no  pu- 
diendo  las  primeras  hacer  otro 
pago  que  el  de  los  sueldos  de  sus 
empleados. 


of  entry.  But  the}7  all  shall  re- 
main subject  to  the  general  laws  of 
the  State  in  which  they  reside  and 
liable  to  be  immediately  removed 
or  replaced  by  the  Federal  Execu- 
tive or  by  whomsoever  it  may  be 
proper,  on  demand  of  the  respec- 
tive State  government,  for  suffi- 
cient legal  reason. 

Art.  113.  National  employees 
shall  not  receive  gifts,  commis- 
sions, honors,  or  compensations 
from  foreign  countries  without 
the  consent  of  the  Senate. 

Art.  114.  All  war  material  be- 
longs to  the  Nation. 

Art.  115.  Every  citizen  shall 
have  power  to  prefer  charges 
against  national  or  State  employees 
before  the  tribunals  or  superior 
authorities  which  the  laws  may 
designate. 

Art.  116.  No  payment  shall  be 
made  by  the  national  treasury 
which  is  not  expressly  authorized 
by  an  item  in  the  general  ap- 
propriation bill;  and  whoever 
should  violate  this  provision  shall 
be  held  civilly  responsible  to  the 
national  treasury  for  the  amounts 
paid.  In  making  payments  ordi- 
nary expenditures  shall  be  given 
preference  over  extraordinary 
ones. 

Art.  117.  Neither  the  legisla- 
tive power  nor  any  authority  of 
the  Republic  shall  under  any  cir- 
cumstances whatever,  or  for  any 
reason,  issue  paper  money  or  de- 
clare bank  notes  to  be  legal  tender, 
or  create  any  value  represented  in 
paper.  No  silver  or  nickel  shall 
be  coined  without  previous  author- 
ity from  the  National  Congress 
given  with  the  same  formalities 
as  are  established  for  the  enact- 
ment of  laws. 

Art.  118.  The  offices  for  the 
collection  of  national  taxes  and 
the  disbursing  offices  shall  always 
be  separate.  The  former  shall  pay 
nothing  except  the  salaries  of  their 
own  employees. 


230 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


Art.  119.  En  los  periodos  elec- 
cionarios,  la  Fuerza  Publica  Na- 
cional  y  la  de  los  Estados,  per- 
maneceran  acuarteladas  durante  el 
lapso  de  las  elecciones  populares. 

Art.  120.  En  los  tratedos  inter- 
nacionales  se  pondni  la  clausula  de 
que  "todas  las  diferencias  entre 
las  partes  contratantes  se  decidiran 

f)or  arbitramento,  sin  apelacion  a 
a  guerra." 

Art.  121.  Ningiin  individuo  po- 
dra  desempenar  a  la  vez  mas  de  un 
destino  lucrativo  de  nombrauiiento 
del  Congreso  6  del  Eiecutivo  Fede- 
ral. La  aceptacion  de  un  segundo 
destino  cualquiera,  equivale  a  la 
renuncia  del  primero.  Se  excep- 
tuan  de  esta  disposicion  los  emplea- 
dos  en  la  ensenanza  publica. 

Art.  122.  La  fuerza  armada  no 
puede  deliberar;  ella  es  pasiva  y 
obediente.  Ningiin  cuerpo  arma- 
do  puede  hacer  requisiciones  ni 
exigir  auxilio  de  ninguna  especie, 
sino  a  las  autoridades  civiles,  y  en 
el  modo  y  forma  que  determine  la 
ley.  Los  jefes  de  fuerza  que  in- 
frinjan  esta  disposicion  seran  juz- 
gados  y  castigados  con  arreglo  a 
las  leyes. 

Art.  123.  Una  ley  reglamen- 
tara  la  manera  como  los  empleados 
nacionales,  al  posesionarse  de  sus 
destinos,  han  de  prestar  juramento 
de  cumplir  sus  deberes. 

Art.  124.  Ningun  contrato  de 
interes  publico  celebrado  por  el 
Gobierno  Federal  6  por  el  de  los 
Estados,  por  las  Municipalidades 
6  por  cualquier  otro  Poder  Pu- 
blico podra  ser  traspasado,  en 
todo  6  en  parte,  a  Gobierno  ex- 
tranjero;  y  en  todos  ellos  se  con- 
siderara  incorporada,  aunque  no 
lo  este",  la  clausula  siguiente: 
"Las  dudas  y  controversions  de 
cualquiera  naturaleza,  quepuedan 
suscitarse  sobre  este  contrato,  y  que 
no  puedan  ser  resueltas  amigable- 
mente  por  las  partes  contratantes, 
sei%dn  decididas  por  los  tribunates 
competentes  de  Venezuela,  de  con- 
formidad  con  sus  leyes,  sin  que  por 


Art.  119.  At  election  times  the 
national  public  force  and  that  of 
the  States  shall  be  kept  within 
their  respective  armories. 

Art.  120.  In  all  international 
treaties  a  clause  shall  be  inserted 
to  the  effect  that  "all  differences 
between  the  contracting  parties 
shall  be  decided  by  arbitration 
without  appeal  to  war." 

Art.  121.  No  person  shall  hold,- 
at  the  same  time,  more  than  one 
paid  office  depending  on  Congress 
or  the  Federal  Executive.  The  ac- 
ceptance of  any  other  office  shall  be 
considered  equivalent  to  the  resig- 
nation of  the  former  one.  This 
provision  does  not  apply  to  the 
employees  of  public  instruction. 

Art.  122.  The  armed  force  shall 
not  deliberate;  it  is  passive  and 
obedient.  No  armed  force  shall 
make  requisitions  or  demand  as- 
sistance of  any  kind,  except  to  the 
civil  authorities  and  in  the  man- 
ner and  form  determined  b}^  law. 
Commanders  of  forces  violating 
this  provision  shall  be  tried  and 
punished  according  to  law. 

Art.  123.  A  law  shall  regulate 
the  manner  in  which  national  em- 
ployees, before  entering  into  the 
discharge  of  their  duties,  shall  take 
their  oaths  of  office. 

Art.  124.  No  contract  of  pub- 
lic interest  entered  into  by  the 
Federal  Government  or  b}r  that 
of  a  State,  municipality,  or  any 
other  public  power,  shall  be  as- 
signable, in  whole  or  in  part,  to 
any  foreign  government;  and  in 
all  contracts  the  following  clause 
shall  be  included,  and  if  omitted 
it  shall  be  considered  as  included, 
viz :  "  The  doubts  and  controversies 
of  any  nature  that  may  arise  in 
regard  to  this  contract,  and  which 
can  not  be  amicably  settled  by  the 
contracting  parties,  shall  be  decided 
by  the  competent  tribunals  of  Vene- 
zuela according  to  the  Venezuelan 
laws,  and  shall  not  in  any  case  be 


CONSTITUTION. 


231 


ningun  motivo  ni  por  ninguna 
causa  puedan  ser  origen  de  recla- 
maciones  extranjeras."  Las  so- 
ciedades  que  en  ejercicio  de  dichos 
contratos  se  formen  seran  venezo- 
lanas,  y  a  este  efecto  deberan 
establecer  su  domicilio  legal  en  el 
pais. 

Art.  125.  El  Derecho  de  gentes 
hace  parte  de  la  legislacion  na- 
cional;  pero  sus  disposiciones  no 
podran  ser  invocadas  cuando  se 
opongan  a  la  Constitucion  y  le}res 
de  la  Repiiblica. 

Art.  126.  Las  controversias 
existentes  entre  los  Distritos  por 
razon  de  sus  limites  y  las  que 
en  lo  sucesivo  surgieren  por  la 
naisma  causa,  seran  sometidas  por 
los  Estados  respectivos,  para  su 
decision,  a  un  Tribunal  de  arbi- 
tros  arbitradores  de  libre  nombra- 
miento  del  Ejecutivo  Federal. 

Art.  127.  Esta  Constitucion  es 
susceptible  de  enmiendas  6  de  adi- 
ciones;  pero  ni  unas  ni  otras  se 
decretaran  por  el  Congreso  Na- 
cional  sino  en  sesiones  ordinarias, 
y  cuando  sean  solicitadas  por  las 
tres  cuartas  partes  de  las  Asam- 
bleas  Legislativas  de  los  Estados 
en  sesiones  ordinarias. 

Art.  128.  Las  enmiendas  6  adi- 
ciones  constitucionales  se  haran 
por  el  mismo  procedimiento  esta- 
blecido  para  sancionar  las  lej'es. 

Art.  129.  Acordada  la  enmienda 
6  adicion  por  el  Congreso  Nacional, 
su  Presidente  la  sometera  a  las 
Asambleas  Legislativas  de  los 
Estados  para  su  ratificacion  defi- 
nitiva. 

Art.  130.  Puede  tambien  el 
Congreso  tomar  la  iniciativa  en  las 
enmiendas  6  adiciones  y  acordarlas 
por  el  procedimiento  indicado  en 
el  articulo  anterior;  pero  en  este 
caso  no  se  consideraran  sanciona- 
das  sin  la  ratificacion  de  las  tres 
cuartas  partes  de  las  Asambleas 
Legislativas  de  los  Estados. 

Art.  131.  Bien  sean  las  Asam- 
bleas Legislativas  de  los  Estados, 
6  bien  las  Camaras  Legislativas,  las 


made  a  subject  of  international 
claims."  All  companies  formed 
for  the  carrying  out  of  said  con- 
tracts shall  be  Venezuelan,  and 
for  this  Reason  they  shall  have  to 
establish  their  legal  domicile  in  the 
country. 

Art.  125.  The  Law  of  nations 
forms  part  of  the  laws  of  the  coun- 
try; but  its  provisions  shall  not 
be  invoked  when  they  are  opposed 
to  the  Constitution  and  the  laws  of 
the  Republic. 

Art.  126.  The  controversies 
now  existing  between  Districts  on 
account  of  their  limits,  and  those 
which  in  the  future  may  arise  for 
the  same  cause,  shall  be  submitted 
by  the  respective  States  for  decision 
to  a  court  of  arbitration  the  mem- 
bers of  which  shall  be  freely  ap- 
pointed by  the  Federal  Executive. 

Art.  127.  This  Constitution  may 
be  amended,  but  no  amendment 
shall  be  made  by  the  National 
Congress  except  in  ordinary  ses- 
sions, and  at  the  request  of  three- 
fourths  of  the  legislative  assem- 
blies of  the  States  in  ordinary 
session. 

Art.  128.  Amendments  to  the 
Constitution  shall  be  made  with 
the  same  formalities  as  are  estab- 
lished for  the  enactment  of  laws. 

Art.  129.  When  an  amendment 
has  been  agreed  upon  by  the  Na- 
tional Congress,  the  President  of 
the  latter  shall  submit  it  to  the 
legislative  assemblies  of  the  States 
for  ratification. 

Art.  130.  Congress  may  also  in- 
itiate amendments  and  make  them 
through  the  process  indicated  in 
the  foregoing  article,  but  in  this 
case  the  amendments  shall  not  be 
considered  sanctioned  without  the 
ratification  of  three-fourths  of  the 
legislative  assemblies  of  the  States. 

Art.  131.  Whether  the  amend- 
ments to  the  Constitution  origi- 
nated with  the  legislative  assem- 


232 


THE    UNITED    STATES    OF    VENEZUELA. 


que  inicien  enmiendas  6  adiciones, 
el  voto  definitivo  de  los  Estados 
vol  vera  siempre  al  Congreso  Na- 
cional,  que  es  al  que  corresponde 
escrutarlo  y  ordenar  la  promulga- 
cion  de  la  enuaienda  6  adicion  que 
f  uere  sancionada. 

Art.  132.  Los  periodos  cousti- 
tucionales  del  Poder  Federal,  du- 
raran  seis  afios  contados  desde  el 
veintitres  de  Mayo  de  mil  nove- 
cientos  eineo. 

Art.  133.  Al  vencimiento  de 
cada  periodo  y  precisamente  el 
veintitres  de  Maj-o,  el  Presidente 
de  los  Estados  Unidos  de  Vene- 
zuela cesara  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus 
funciones,  y  el  Ministro  de  Rela- 
ciones  Interiores  entrara  a  ejercer- 
la  Presidencia  de  la  Republica 
para  los  efectos  de  la  trasmision 
del  poder. 

Art.  134.  Para  todos  los  actos 
de  la  vida  civil  y  politica  de  los 
Estados,  la  base  de  poblacion  sera 
la  que  determine  el  ultimo  Censo 
de  la  Republica  aprobado  por  el 
Congreso. 

Art.  135.  En  todos  los  actos  pii- 
blicos  y  documentos  oticiales  de  la 
Nacion  6  de  los  Estados,  se  citara 
la  fecha  de  la  Independencia  a  par- 
tir  del  cinco  de  Julio  de  mil  ocho- 
cientos  once  y  la  de  la  Federacion, 
del  veinte  de  Febrero  de  mil  ocho- 
cientos  cincuenta  y  nueve. 

Art.  136.  La  presente  Consti- 
tution, firmadapor  todos  los  miem- 
bros  del  Congreso  Constituvente 
que  se  encuentren  en  esta  capital, 
y  con  el "  Cumplase  "  del  Ejecutivo 
Federal,  sera  promulgada  inme- 
diatamente  en  el  Distrito  Federal, 
y  tan  luego  como  se  reciba  en  los 
Estados  de  la  Union  y  Territorios 
Federates. 

Art.  137.  Se  deroga  la  Consti- 
tution de  veintinueve  de  Marzo  de 
mil  novecientos  uno. 

Dada  en  el  Palacio  Federal  Le- 

fislativo,  en  Caracas,  a  27  de  Abril 
e  1904.    Afio  93  de  la  independen- 
cia, y  46  de  la  Federacion. 


blies  of  the  States  or  with  the  legis- 
lative chambers  the  votes  given  by 
the  States  shall  always  come  back 
to  the  National  Congress,  which  is 
the  one  called  upon  to  count  them 
and  order  the  amendment  if  sanc- 
tioned to  be  promulgated. 

Art.  132.  The  constitutional 
periods  of  the  Federal  power  shall 
be  six  years  to  be  counted  from 
the  twenty-third  day  of  May,  nine- 
teen hundred  and  five. 

Art.  133.  At  the  expiration  of 
each  period,  and  precisely  on  May 
twenty-third,  the  President  of  the 
United  States  of  Venezuela  shall 
cease  in  the  exercise  of  his  func- 
tions, and  the  Minister  of  Interior 
Relations  shall  enter  into  the  dis- 
charge of  the  Presidency  of  the 
Republic  for  the  purpose  of  trans- 
ferring it. 

Art.  134.  The  basis  of  popula- 
tion for  all  the  acts  of  the  civil  and 
Solitical  life  of  the  States  shall  be 
eternlined  by  the  lastcensus  of  the 
Republic  approved  by  Congress. 

Art.  135.  In  all  public  acts  and 
official  documents  of  the  Nation 
and  of  the  States,  mention  shall  be 
made  of  the  date  of  the  Indepen- 
dence, July  fifth,  eighteen  hundred 
and  eleven,  and  of  that  of  the  Fed- 
eration, February  twentieth, eight- 
een hundred  and  fifty-nine. 

Art.  136.  The  present  Constitu- 
tion, signed  by  all  the  members  of 
the  Constitutional  Congress  who 
are  in  this  capital,  and  the  order 
of  the  Federal  Executive,  direct- 
ing it  to  be  complied  with,  shall  be 
immediately  promulgated  in  the 
Federal  District  and  in  the  States 
and  Territories  of  the  Union,  as 
soon  as  received  there. 

Art.  137.  The  Constitution  of 
March  twenty-ninth,  nineteen  hun- 
dred and  one,  is  hereby  repealed. 

Given  at  the  Federal  Legisla- 
tive Palace,  at  Caracas,  on  the  27th 
of  April,  1904,  the  93d  of  the  in- 
dependence and  the  46th  of  the 
Federation. 


PART   SECOND. 


THE  REPUBLICS  OF  CENTRAL  AMERICA. 

GUATEMALA.  COSTA  RICA. 

SALVADOR.  HONDURAS. 

NICARAGUA.  PANAMA. 


233 


REPUBLIC  OF  GUATEMALA. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES. 

The  Republic  of  Guatemala  is  a  portion  of  the  vast  territory,  which 
up  to  1821  belonged  to  Spain  and  constituted  what  was  called  "The 
Kingdom  of  Guatemala." 

This  Kingdom,  founded  in  1542,  and  ruled  by  a  "Captain-general," 
who,  nominally  at  least,  was  subordinate  to  the  Vicerov  of  Mexico, 
proclaimed  its  independence  from  Spain,  on  September  15,  1821,  and 
succeeded  in  securing  it  without  bloodshed. 

Three  years  thereafter,  representatives  duly  elected  by  the  people 
of  Guatemala,  Nicaragua,  Honduras,  El  Salvador,  and  Costa  Rica,  met 
at  Guatemala  City  (La  Antigua),  and  framed  and  promulgated  (Novem- 
ber 22, 1824)  a  Federal  constitution,  under  which  the  five  nations  became 
States  of  a  Union,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  "  Federacion  de  Centro 
America,"  or  "Central  American  Federation."     (See  Appendix  6.) 

On  the  21st  of  March,  1847,  the  federal  compact  was  broken,  and 
the  independence  of  Guatemala  was  proclaimed.  This  action  was 
reaffirmed  in  1851,  under  the  Acta  Constitutive/,  de  la  Republica  de 
Guatemala  ("Constitutional  Act  of  the  Republic  of  Guatemala"), 
which  was  in  force  until  January  29, 1855,  when  it  was  amended. 

A  Constitutional  Convention,  held  at  the  city  of  Guatemala,  framed 
on  the  23d  of  October,  1876,  the  instrument  called  "  Pro-Constitucion 
de  Guatemala"  (Pro-Constitution  of  Guatemala).  The  supreme 
power  of  the  Republic  was  then  vested  in  Don  Jose  Rufino  Barrios. 
(See  Appendix  7.) 

A  new  Constitution,  promulgated  December  11,  1879,  was  put  in 
operation  on  the  1st  of  March,  1880.  That  Constitution,  as  amended 
on  November  5,  1887,  is  the  one  now  in  force. 


LIST   OF   IMPORTANT   BOOKS   TO   BE    CONSULTED   IN    REFERENCE    TO   THE 
CONSTITUTION   OF   GUATEMALA. 

Arosemena  (Justo).     Estudios  constitucionales  sobre  los  Gobiernos  de  la  America 

latina.     Paris,  1878. 
Savaria  (Salvador  A. ).     Manual  de  instruction  tivica. 
Sara  via  (Antonio  G.).     La  administration  publica. 

235 


CONSTITUTION. 

(Promulgated  December  11,  1879,  as  amended  November  5,  1887.) 


Los  Representantes  del  Pueblo 
soberano  de  Guatemala,  legitima- 
mente  convocados,  y  reunidos  en 
suticiente  numero,  han  decretado 
y  sancionado  las  leyes  fundamen- 
tals, que  reunidas  en  un  solo 
cuerpo  forman  la  siguiente  Cons- 
titucion  de  la  Republiea. 

tItulo  i. 

DE  LA  NACION  Y  SUS  HABITANTES. 


ArtIculo  1.  Guatemala  es  una 
Nacion  libre,  soberana  e  indepen- 
diente.  Delega  el  ejercicio  de  la 
soberania  en  las  autoridades  que 
establece  la  Constitution. 

Art.  2.  Mantendra  y  cultivara 
con  las  demas  Republicas  deCentro- 
America,  intimas  relaciones  de 
familiay  reciprocidad.  Y  siempre 
que  se  proponga  la  nacionalidad 
centro-americana  de  una  manera 
estable,  justa,  popular  y  conve- 
niente,  la  Republiea  de  Guatemala 
estara  pronta  a  reincorporarse  en 
ella. 

Art.  3.  El  Poder  Supremo  de 
la  Nacion  es  republicano,  demo- 
cratic© y  representative,  y  se  di- 
vide para  su  ejercicio  en  legisla- 
tive, ejecutivo,  y  judicial,  y  habra 
en  sus  funciones  entera  indepen- 
dencia. 

Art.  4.  Los  guatemaltecos  se 
dividen  en  naturales  y  naturali- 
zados. 

Art.  5.  Son  naturales: 

1°.  Todas  las  personas  nacidas  6 

236 


We,  the  representatives  of  the 
sovereign  people  of  Guatemala, 
lawfully  called  to  convene  and  as- 
sembled in  sufficient  number,  do 
hereby  decree  and  sanction  the 
fundamental  laws  which,  united  in 
a  single  body,  form  the  present 
Constitution  of  the  Republic. 

TITLE  I. 

THE  NATION  AND  ITS  INHAB- 
ITANTS. 

Article  1.  Guatemala  is  a  free, 
sovereign, and  independentNation. 
The  exercise  of  its  sovereignty  is 
delegated  to  the  authorities  estab- 
lished by  the  Constitution. 

Art.  2.  Guatemala  shall  main- 
tain and  cultivate  intimate  family 
and  reciprocal  relations  with  the 
other  Republics  of  Central  Amer- 
ica. And  whenever  the  Central 
American  nationality  should  be 
again  brought  into  existence,  in  a 
suitable,  just,  popular,  and  advisa- 
ble manner,  the  Republic  of  Guate- 
mala shall  be  ready  to  become  a 
part  thereof. 

Art.  3.  The  supreme  power  of 
the  Nation  is  republican,  demo- 
cratic, and  representative,  and  is 
divided  into  three  branches,  name- 
ly, legislative,  executive,  and  ju- 
dicial, which  shall  be  entirely 
independent  of  each  other  in  the 
exercise  of  their  functions. 

Art.  4.  Guatemalans  are  divid- 
ed into  native  and  naturalized. 

Art.  5.  Native  Guatemalans  are: 
1.  All  those  born  or  who  may 


CONSTITUTION. 


237 


que  nazcan  en  el  territorio  de  la 
Republica,  cualquiera  que  sea  la 
nacionalidad  del  padre,  con  excep- 
cion  de  los  hijos  de  los  agentes 
diplomaticos. 

2°.  Los  hijos  de  padre  guatemal- 
teco,  6  hijos  ilegitimos  de  madre 
guatemalteea,  nacidos  en  pais  ex- 
tranjero,  desde  el  momento  en  que 
residan  en  la  Republica;  y  aun  sin 
esta  eondicion,  cuando  conforme  a 
las  leyes  del  lugar  del  naciuiiento 
les  corresponda  la  nacionalidad  de 
Guatemala,  6  tuvieren  derecho  a 
elegir  y  optaren  por  la  guatemal- 
teea. 

Art.  6.  Se  consideran  tambien 
como  guatemaltecos  naturales  a 
los  originarios  de  las  otras  Re- 
piiblieas  de  Centro-America  que 
manifiesten  ante  la  autoridad  com- 
petente  el  deseo  de  ser  guatemal- 
tecos. 

Art.  7.  Son  naturalizados: 

1°.  Los  hispano  -  americanos 
domiciliados  en  la  Republica,  si  no 
se  reservan  su  nacionalidad. 

2°.  Los  demas  extranjeros  que 
hayan  sido  naturalizados  conforme 
a  las  leyes  anteriores. 

3°.  Los  que  obtengan  carta  de 
naturaleza  con  arreglo  a  la  ley. 

Art.  8.  Son  ciudadanos: 

1°.  Los  guatemaltecos  mayoress 
de  veintiiin  afios  que  sepan  leer  y 
escribir;  6  que  tengan  renta,  indus- 
tria,  oficio  6  profesion  que  les  pro- 
porcione  medios  de  subsistencia. 

2°.  Todos  los  que  pertenecen  al 
Ejercito,  siendo  mayores  de  diez  y 
ocho  afios. 

3°.  Los  mayores  de  diez  y  ocho 
afios  que  tengan  un  grado  6  titulo 
literario,  obtenido  en  los  estable- 
cimientos  nacionales. 

Art.  9.  Los  derechos  inhe- 
rentes  a  la  ciudadania  son: 

1°.  EI  derecho  electoral. 

2°.  El  de  opcion  a  los  cargos 


be  born  hereafter  in  the  territory 
of  the  Republic,  no  matter  what 
the  nationality  of  their  fathers 
may  be.  The  children  of  diplo- 
matic agents  shall  be  excepted  from 
this  rule. 

2.  Children  of  Guatemalan  fath- 
ers or  illegitimate  children  of 
Guatemalan  mothers  born  in  a  for- 
eign country,  from  the  moment  in 
which  they  establish  their  residence 
in  the  Republic;  and  even  without 
this  condition  when,  according  to 
the  laws  of  the  place  of  birth,  the 
nationality  of  Guatemala  corre- 
sponds to  them,  or  when,  having 
the  right  to  choose,  the}'  adopt 
Guatemalan  citizenship. 

Art.  6.  Natives  of  the  other 
Central  American  Republics  who 
declare  before  competent  author- 
ity their  desire  to  become  Guate- 
malans, shall  be  considered  native 
Guatemalans. 

Art.  7.  Naturalized  Guatema- 
lans are: 

1.  Spanish- Americans  domiciled 
in  the  Republic,  if  the}'  do  not  de- 
sire to  retain  their  own  nationality. 

2.  All  other  foreigners  who  have 
been  naturalized  according  to  law. 

3.  Those  who  obtain  naturaliza- 
tion papers  according  to  law. 

Art.  8.  The  following  are  citi- 
zens: 

1.  Guatemalans  over  twenty-one 
years  of  age  who  know  how  to 
read  and  write,  or  who  have  an 
income,  industry,  trade,  or  profes- 
sion providing  them  with  means  of 
subsistence. 

2.  Those  over  eighteen  years  of 
age  who  belong  to  the  army. 

3.  Those  over  eighteen  years  of 
age  who  have  received  a  literary 
degree  in  a  national  establishment. 

Art.  9.  The  rights  inherent  to 
citizenship  are: 

1.  The  electoral  right. 

2.  The  right  to  aspire  to  public 


238 


REPUBLIC    OF    GUATEMALA. 


publicos  para  los  cuales  la  ley  exija 
esa  calidad. 

Art.  10.  En  los  casos  en  que  la 
ley  exija  la  calidad  de  ciudadano 
para  el  ejercicio  de  una  funcion 
publica,  podra  confiarse  a  extran- 
jeros que  reiinan  las  demas  cali- 
dades  que  la  misma  ley  requiera; 

Suedando   natural izados  y  ciuda- 
anos  por  el  hecho  de  su  acepta- 
cion. 

Art.  11.  La  calidad  de  ciuda- 
dano se  suspende,  se  pierde  y  se 
recobra  con  arreglo  a  la  ley. 

Art.  12.  Son  obligaciones  de 
los  guatemaltecos: 

1°.  Servir  y  defender  a  la  patria. 

2°.  Obedecer  las  leyes,  respetar 
a  las  autoridades  y  observar  los 
reglamentos  de  pohcia. 

3°.  Contribuir  de  la  manera  que 
establezca  la  ley  a  los  gastos 
publicos. 

Art.  13.  Los  extranjeros,  desde 
el  instante  en  que  lleguen  al  terri- 
torio  de  la  Repiiblica,  estan  estric- 
tamente  obligados  a  respetar  a  las 
autoridades  y  observar  las  leyes, 
y  adquieren  derecho  a  ser  prote- 
gidos  por  el  las. 

Art.  14.  Ni  los  guatemaltecos 
ni  los  extranjeros  podran  en  ningun 
caso  reclamar  al  Gobierno  indem- 
nizacion  alguna  por  danos  v  per- 
juicios  que  a  sus  personas  o  a  sus 
bienes  causaren  las  facciones. 

Art.  15.  Los  extranjeros  estan 
obligados  a  la  observancia  de  las 
disposiciones    y    reglamentos    de 

f)olicia  y  a  pagar  los  impuestos 
ocales  y  las  contribuciones  esta- 
blecidas  por  razon  de  comercio,  in- 
dustria,  profesion,  propiedad  6  po- 
sesion  de  bienes,  y  las  que  por  la 
misma  razon  se  establezcan  en  lo 
sucesivo,  aunque  sea  aumentando 
6  disminuyendo  las  anteriores. 

TTTULO  II. 
DE  LAS  GARANTIAS. 

Art.  16.  Las  autoridades  de  la 
Republica  estan   instituidas  para 


office  when  the  law  requires  citi- 
zenship as  a  qualification  therefor. 

Art.  10.  When  the  law  requires 
citizenship  as  a  qualification  for 
the  exercise  of  any  public  func- 
tion, the  said  function  may  be  in- 
trusted to  foreigners  who  have  all 
the  other  qualifications  required 
by  law;  but  by  the  fact  of  their 
acceptance  of  the  position  they 
shall  become  naturalized  citizens. 

Art.  11.  Citizenship  is  sus- 
pended, lost,  or  recovered  accord- 
ing to  law. 

Art.  12.  The  following  are  du- 
ties of  all  Guatemalans: 

1.  To  serve  and  defend  the 
country. 

2.  To  obey  the  laws,  respect  the 
authorities,  and  comply  with  the 
regulations  of  the  police. 

3.  To  contribute  in  the  manner 
established  by  law  to  meet  the 
public  expenses. 

Art.  13.  Foreigners  from  the 
moment  of  their  arrival  in  the  ter- 
ritory of  the  Republic  are  strictly 
bound  to  respect  the  authorities 
and  obey  the  laws.  They  shall  in 
the  same  manner  acquire  the  right 
to  be  protected  by  law. 

Art.  14.  Neither  Guatemalans 
nor  foreigners  shall  have  in  any 
case  the  power  to  claim  from  the 
Government  indemnification  for 
damages  arising  out  of  injuries 
done  to  their  persons  or  propeity 
by  revolutionists. 

Art.  15.  Foreigners  are  bound 
to  comply  with  the  police  laws 
and  regulations,  and  to  pay  the 
local  taxes,  as  well  as  all  other 
taxes  levied  or  to  be  levied  here- 
after, whether  heavier  or  lighter, 
on  commerce,  industry,  profes- 
sions, or  property  owned  or  pos- 
sessed. 


TITLE  II. 

GUARANTIES. 

Art.  16.  The  authorities  of  the 
Republic  are  established  to  protect 


CONSTITUTION. 


239 


mantener  a  los  habitantes  en  el 
goce  de  sus  derechos,  que  son:  la 
libertad,  la  igualdadjTlaseguridad 
de  la  persona,  de  la  honra  y  de  los 
bienes. 

Art.  17.  Todo  poder  reside  ori- 
ginariamente  en  la  Nacion;  los 
funcionarios  no  son  duenos  sino 
depositaries  de  la  autoridad,  suje- 
tos  y  jamas  superiores  a  la  ley,  y 
siempre  responsables  por  su  con- 
ducta  oficial. 

Art.  18.  La  instruction  prima- 
ria  es  obligatoria;  la  sostenida  por 
la  Nacion  es  laica  y  gratuita. 

Art.  19.  Toda  persona  es  libre 
para  entrar,  permanecer  en  el  te- 
rritorio  de  la  Republica  y  salir  de 
61,  salvo  los  casos  que  la  ley  de- 
termina. 

Art.  20.  La  industria  es  libre. 
El  autor  6  inventor  goza  de  la  pro- 
piedad  de  su  obra  6  invento  por  un 
tiempo  que  no  exceda  de  quince 
anos,  mas  la  propiedad  literaria  es 
perpetua. 

El  Ejecutivo  podra  otorgar  con- 
cesiones  por  un  termino  que  no 
pase  de  diez  anos  a  los  que  intro- 
duzcan  6  establezcan  industrias 
nuevas  en  la  Republica. 

Art.  21.  Todos  pueden  libre- 
mente  disponerde  sus  bienes,  siem- 
pre que  al  hacerlo  no  contraven- 
gan  a  la  ley. 

Las  vinculaciones,  sin  embargo, 
quedan  absolutamente  prohibidas 
y  toda  institution  a,  favor  de  manos 
muertas,  exceptuandose  solamente 
las  que  se  destinen  a  favor  de  es- 
tablecimientos  de  Beneficencia. 

Art.  22.  Los  habitantes  de  la 
Republica,  nacionales  6  extran- 
jeros,  pueden  dirigir  sus  peticiones 
a  la  autoridad. 

La  fuerza  armada  no  puede  de- 
liberar  ni  ejercer  el  derecho  de  pe- 
tition. 

Art.  23.  Los  habitantes  de  la 
Republica  tienen  asimismo  libre 
acceso  ante  los  Tribunales  del  pais, 
para  ejercitar  sus  acciones  en  la 
forma  que  prescriben  las    leyes. 


the  inhabitants  in  the  enjoyment 
of  their  rights,  which  are,  liberty, 
equality,  personal  safety,  honor, 
and  property. 

Art.  17.  All  power  is  originally 
vested  in  the  Nation.  Function- 
aries are  not  the  owners  but  the  de- 
positaries of  the  authority.  They 
are  subject  to  the  law  and  never 
superior  to  it.  They  are  al  ways  re- 
sponsible for  their  official  conduct. 

Art.  18.  Primary  instruction  is 
compulsory.  The  instruction  fur- 
nished by  the  Nation  is  laical  and 
gratuitous. 

Art.  19.  All  persons  are  free  to 
enter,  remain  in,  and  leave  the  ter- 
ritory of  the  Republic,  except  in 
the  cases  which  the  law  may  de- 
termine. 

Art.  20.  Industry  is  free.  The 
author  or  inventor  enjoys  the 
ownership  of  his  work  or  inven- 
tion for  a  period  of  time  not  ex- 
ceeding fifteen  years,  but  literary 
property  is  perpetual. 

The  Executive  may  grant  con- 
cessions for  a  term  not  exceeding 
ten  years  to  those  who  introduce 
or  establish  new  industries  in  the 
Republic. 

Art.  21.  All  persons  have  power 
to  freely  dispose  of  their  property, 
provided  that  by  so  doing  they  do 
not  violate  any  law. 

Entailments  of  property,  and 
foundations  or  endowments  in 
favor  of  dead  hands,  are  absolutely 
forbidden,  excepting  those  made 
in  favor  of  charitable  establish- 
ments. 

Art.  22.  The  inhabitants  of  the 
Republic,  whether  Guatemalans, 
or  foreigners,  have  the  right  to 
petition  the  authorities. 

Armed  forces  shall  not  delib- 
erate or  exercise  the  right  of  peti- 
tion. 

Art.  23.  The  inhabitants  of  the 
Republic  have  free  access  to  the 
courts  of  the  country  to  exercise 
their  actions  in  the  manner  and 
form  provided  b}^  law.    Foreigners 


240 


REPUBLIC    OF    GUATEMALA. 


Los  extranjeros  no  podran  ocurrir 
a  la  via  diplomatics,  sino  en  los 
easos  de  denegacion  de  justicia. 
Para  este .  efeeto,  no  se  entiende 
por  denegaeion  de  justicia,  el  que 
un  fallo  ejecutoriado  no  sea  favo- 
rable al  reclamante. 

Art.  24.  El  ejercicio  de  todas 
las  religiones,  sin  preeminencia 
alguna,  queda  garantizado  en  el 
interior  de  los  teraplos;  pero  ese 
libre  ejercicio  no  podra  exten- 
derse  hasta  ejecutar  actos  subver- 
sivos  6  practicasincompatiblescon 
la  paz  y  el  orden  publico;  ni  da 
derecho  para  oponerse  al  cumpli- 
miento  de  las  obligaciones  civiles  y 
politicas. 

Art.  25.  Se  garantiza  el  dere- 
cho de  asociacion  y  de  reunirse 
paciticainente  y  sin  armas;  pero 
se  prohibe  el  establecimiento  de 
congregaciones  conventuales  y  de 
toda  especie  deinstituciones  6  aso-. 
ciaciones.monasticas. 

Art.  26.  Es  libre  la  emision 
del  pensamiento  por  la  palabra, 
por  escrito  y  tambien  por  la  prensa, 
sin  previa  censura.  Ante  la  ley 
es  responsable  el  que  abuse  de  ese 
derecho.  Un  jurado  conoce  delas 
faltas  y  delitos  de  imprenta. 

Art.  27.  Todos  los  habitantes 
de  la  Republica  son  libres  para  dar 
6  recibir  la  instruccion  que  les 
parezca  mejor  en  los  estableci- 
mientos  que  no  sean  sostenidos  con 
fondos  de  la  Nacion. 

Art.  28.  La  propiedad  es  in- 
violable; solo  por  causa  de  interns 
publico  legalniente  comprobado, 
puede  decretarse  la  expropiacion; 
V  en  este  caso.  el  dueno,  antes  de 
que  su  propiedad  sea  ocupada, 
recibira  en  moneda  efectiva  su 
justo  valor. 

En  caso  de  guerra,  la  indemni- 
zacion  puede  no  ser  previa. 

Art.  29.  Todo  servicio  que  no 
deba  prestarse  de  un  modo  gra- 
tuito  en  virtud  de  la  ley,  o  de 
sentencia  fundada  en  le}7,  Hebe  ser 
justaraente  reinunerado. 


shall  not  resort  to  diplomatic  action 
except  in  case  of  denial  of  justice. 
Final  decisions  adverse  to  the 
claimant  shall  not  be  understood 
as  denials  of  justice. 


Art.  24.  The  practice  of  all  reli- 
gions, without  preference  for  any 
particular  one,  is  guaranteed  in  the 
interior  of  the  temples;  but  this 
freedom  shall  not  be  extended  to 
the  performance  of  acts  subversive 
or  inconsistent  with  public  peace 
and  order,  nor  shall  it  give  right 
to  oppose  the  fulfillment  of  civil 
and  political  obligations. 

Art.  25.  The  right  of  associa- 
tion and  of  peaceful  reunion  with- 
out arras  is  guaranteed,  but  the 
establishment  of  convents  and  all 
kinds  of  monastical  institutions  or 
associations  is  forbidden. 

Art.  26.  The  expression  of  ideas, 
verbally,  in  writing,  or  through 
the  press,  without  previous  censor- 
ship, is  free.  Anyone  abusing 
this  liberty  shall  be  responsible  for 
it  before  the  law.  A  jury  shall 
take  cognizance  of  all  offenses 
committed  through  the  press. 

Art.  27.  All  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Republic  are  free  to  give  or 
receive  the  instruction  which  they 
may  prefer,  in  establishments  not 
supported  with  funds  of  the  Gov- 
ernment. 

Art.  28.  Property  is  inviolable, 
its  condemnation  for  public  use 
shall  only  be  ordered  upon  proof 
that  the  public  interests  are  sub- 
served by  it,  and  in  this  case  the 
just  value  of  the  property  shall  be 
paid  in  cash  before  it  is  taken  away 
from  the  owner. 

In  case  of  war  the  indemnity 
need  not  be  previous. 

Art.  29.  Services  not  to  be  ren- 
dered gratuitously  under  a  law  or 
a  judicial  decision  founded  on  law, 
shall  be  justly  remunerated. 


CONSTITUTION. 


241 


Art.  30.  Ninguno  puede  ser  de- 
tenido  6  preso,  sino  por  causa  de 
delito  6  falta.  La  ley  determina 
los  casos  y  las  formalidades  para 
proceder  a  la  detencion  6  arresto. 

Art.  31.  Todo  detenido  debe 
ser  interrogado  dentro  de  cuarenta 
y  ocho  horas;  la  detencion  no 
podra,  exceder  de  cinco  dias;  y 
dentro  de  este  termino,  debera  la 
autoridad  que  la  haya  ordenado, 
motivar  el  auto  de  prision  6  decre- 
tar  la  libertad  del  prevenido. 

Art.  32.  A  ninguno  puede  po- 
nerse  incomunicado,  sino  en  los 
casos,  por  el  termino  y  con  las 
formalidades  que  la  ley  establece; 
ni  sujetarsele  a  restricciones  que 
no  sean  indispensables  para  su 
seguridad. 

Art.  33.  No  podra  dictarse  auto 
de  prision,  sin  que  preceda  infor- 
mation sumaria  de  haberse  come- 
tido  un  delito  que  merezca  pena 
corporal  6  pecuniaria,  y  sin  que 
concurran  motivos  suficientes  se- 
gun  la  ley,  para  creerse  que  la 
persona  detenida  es  la  delincuente. 

Art.  34.  La  Constitution  re- 
conoce  el  derecho  de  habeas  corpus 
6  sea  la  exhibition  personal. 

Art.  35.  Ninguno  puede  ser 
obligado  a  declarar  en  causa  crimi- 
nal contra  si  mismo,  contra  su  con- 
sorte,  ascendientes,  descendientes 
y  hermanos. 

Art.  36.  Es  inviolable  en  juicio 
la  def  ensa  de  la  persona  y  de  los 
derechos,  y  ninguno  podra  ser 
juzgado  por  Tribunales  especiales. 

Art.  37.  La  correspondencia  de 
toda  persona  y  suspapeles  privados 
son  in  viola  bles.  Solo  por  auto  de 
Juez  competente  podra  detenerse 
la  primera  y  aun  abrirse,  y  ocu- 
parse  los  segundos,  en  los  casos  y 
con  las  formalidades  que  la  ley 
exige. 

Art.  38.  El  domicilio  es  invio- 
lable.    La  ley  determina  las  for- 

360a— vol  1—06 16 


Art.  30.  No  one  shall  be  detained 
or  imprisoned  except  upon  com- 
mitting some  crime  or  offense. 
The  law  shall  determine  the  cases 
and  formalities  which  must  pre- 
cede detention  or  imprisonment. 

Art.  31.  Every  detained  person 
shall  be  examined  within  fort}^- 
eight  hours.  The  detention  shall 
not  exceed  five  days;  and  within 
this  period  the  authority  which 
ordered  it  shall  either  raise  it  to 
formal  imprisonment,  stating  the 
reasons  therefor,  or  discharge  the 
prisoner. 

Art.  32.  No  one  shall  be  kept  in 
solitary  confinement  except  in  the 
cases  and  for  the  time,  and  with 
the  formalities  established  by  law, 
nor  shall  anyone  be  subject  to  re- 
strictions not  indispensable  to  pre- 
vent him  from  escaping. 

Art.  33.  No  warrant  of  impris- 
onment shall  be  issued  without  first 
ascertaining  through  a  summary 
investigation  of  the  case,  that  an 
offense  punishable  with  corporal 
or  pecuniary  penalty  has  been  com- 
mitted and  without  sufficient  in- 
dication that  the  detained  person 
is  guilty. 

Art.  34.  The  Constitution  re- 
cognizes the  right  of  habeas  corpus. 

Art.  35.  No  one  shall  be  com- 

Eelled  to  testify  against  himself, 
is   consort,   ancestors,    descend- 
ants, or  his  brothers  and  sisters. 

Art.  36.  The  defense  of  persons 
or  rights  before  the  courts  is  in- 
violable, and  no  one  shall  be  tried 
by  special  tribunals. 

Art.  37.  Private  correspond- 
ence and  papers  are  inviolable. 
Only  by  judicial  order  and  in  such 
cases  and  with  such  formalities  as 
are  provided  by  law  shall  said 
correspondence  be  detained  and 
opened,  or  private  papers  seized. 

Art.  38.  Domicile  is  inviolable. 
The  law  establishes  the  formali- 


242 


REPUBLIC    OP    GUATEMALA. 


malidades  y  los  casos  en  que 
unicamente  puede  procederse  al 
allanamiento. 

Art.  39.  Si  el  territorio  de  la 
Nacion  f uere  invadido  6  atacado,  6 
estuviese  por  algun  motivo  amena- 
zada  la  tranquilidad  publica,  el 
Presidente  de  acuerdo  con  el  Con- 
sejo  de  Ministros,  podra  suspender 
por  un  decreto,  las  garantias  indi- 
viduales  a  que  se  refiere  este  titulo, 
expresando  si  la  suspension  com- 
prende  a  toda  la  Republica  6  a  uno 
o  varios  departamentos  de  la  mis- 
ma,  y  dando  cuenta  a  la  Asamblea 
en  sus  proximas  sesiones. 


tItulo  III. 

DEL  PODER  LEGISLATIVO. 

secci6n  i. 

Organization    del   Poder 
Zegislativo. 

Art.  40.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
reside  en  la  Asamblea  Nacional. 

Art.  41.  Se  reunira  cada  ano, 
el  primero  de  Marzo,  aun  cuando 
no  haya  sido  convocada.  Sus  se- 
siones ordinarias  duraran  dos  me- 
ses  y  podran  prorrogarse  a  un 
mes  mas. 

Art.  42.  La  Asamblea  no  puede 
tener  sesion  sin  la  concurrencia  de 
la  mayoria  absolute  de  los  miem- 
bros  de  que  se  compone;  pero  la 
reunion  de  quince  Diputados,  por 
lo  menos,  bastara  para  calificar 
credenciales  y  dictar  las  medidas 
conducentes  a  que  no  deje  de  haber 
mayoria  en  la  Asamblea. 

Art.  43.  Se  reunira  extraordi- 
nariamente  cuando  haya  sido  con- 
yocada  por  el  Poder  Ejeeutivo  6 
por  la  Comision  Permanente,  y  en 
estos  casos  solo  se  podra  ocupar 
de  aquellos  asuntos  que  hayan  sido 
obieto  de  la  convocatoria. 

Art.  44.  Los  Diputados,  desde 
el  dia  de  su  eleccion,  gozaran  de 
las  siguientes  prerrogativas: 


ties  and  the  cases  in  which  the 
domicile  can  be  rightfully  entered. 

Art.  39.  When  the  territory  of 
the  Nation  is  invaded  or  attacked, 
or  when  public  tranquillity  is  in 
anyway  threatened,  the  President, 
with  the  advice  of  the  council  of 
ministers,  shall  have  the  power  to 
suspend,  by  means  of  a  decree,  the 
individual  guaranties  described  in 
this  title,  and  he  shall  then  state 
whether  the  suspension  embraces 
the  whole  Republic  or  only  one  or 
more  departments  of  the  same;  he 
shall  also  report  the  fact  to  the  As- 
sembly at  the  next  session. 

TITLE  III. 

THE  LEGISLATIVE  POWER. 

SECTION  I. 

Organization  of  the  legislati/ve 
power. 

Art.  40.  The  legislative  power 
is  vested  in  the  National  Assembly. 

Art.  41.  The  National  Assem- 
bly shall  meet  every  year  on  the 
1st  of  March,  even  if  not  called 
to  convene.  Its  ordinary  sessions 
shall  last  two  months,  but  this 
period  may  be  extended  a  month 
longer. 

Art.  42.  The  Assembly  shall 
not  hold  any  meeting  without  a 
quorum  consisting  of  an  absolute 
majority  of  its  members;  but  the 
presence  of  fifteen  members,  at 
least,  shall  be  sufficient  for  passing 
upon  the  credentials  and  taking 
valid  measures  conducive  to  secure 
a  quorum  in  the  Assembly. 

Art.  43.  The  Assembly  shall 
hold  an  extra  session  whenever  the 
Executive  power  or  the  permanent 
committee  should  call  it  to  con- 
vene for  this  purpose.  In  these 
cases  it  shall  only  discuss  the  sub- 
jects mentioned  in  the  call. 

Art.  44.  The  deputies  shall  have 
from  the  day  of  their  election  the 
following  prerogatives: 


CONSTITUTION. 


243 


la.  Inmunidad  personal  para  no 
ser  acusados  ni  juzgados  si  la 
Asamblea  no  autoriza  previamente 
elenjuiciamiento,declarandohaber 
lugar  a  formacion  de  causa,  pero 
en  el  caso  de  delito  infraganti, 
podran  ser  arrestados. 

2a.  Irresponsabilidad  por  todas 
sus  opiniones,  por  su  iniciativa 
parlamentaria  y  por  la  manera  de 
tratar  los  negocios  en  el  desem- 
peno  de  su  cargo. 

Estas  prerrogativas  no  autorizan 
la  arbitrariedad  6  excesos  de  ini- 
ciativa personal  de  los  Represen- 
tantes. 

El  Reglamento  interior  establece 
la  manera  de  reprimir  los  abusos 
que  puedan  cometerse. 

Art.  45.  Hecha  la  declaracion  a 
que  se  refiere  el  inciso  1°  del  arti- 
culo  anterior,  los  acusados  quedan 
sujetos  al  Juez  competente  y  sus- 
pensos  en  sus  funciones  legisla- 
tives, que  no  podran  ejercer  sino 
en  el  caso  de  ser  absueltos.  Si 
f  ueren  condenados,  quedaran  va- 
cantes  los  asientos  y  se  mandara 
proceder  a  nuevas  elecciones. 


Art.  46.  Si  la  Asamblea  no 
estuviere  reunida,  la  Comision 
Permanente  declarara  si  ha  6  no 
lugar  a  formacion  de  causa  contra 
el  Diputado. 

Art.  47.  Si  algun  Diputado 
fuere  aprehendido  infraganti, 
sera  puesto  inmediatamente  a  dis- 
posicion  de  la  Asamblea,  y  en  su 
receso,  de  la  Comision  Permanente. 

Art.  48.  La  Asamblea  se  com- 
pondra  de  un  Diputado  por  cada 
veinte  mil  habitantes,  6  por  cada 
fraccion  que  pase  de  diez  mil. 

La  ley  designara  la  manera  de 
hacer  las  elecciones;  pero  sin  modi- 
ficar  el  principio  de  la  eleccion 
popular  directa. 


1.  Personal  immunity  from  in- 
dictment or  trial,  unless  the  Assem- 
bly grants  permission  to  prosecute 
them,  by  declaring  that  criminal 
proceedings  can  be  instituted;  but 
they  can  be  arrested  in  case  of 
flagrante  delicto. 

2.  Irresponsibility  for  all  their 
opinions,  for  the  introduction  of 
legislative  measures,  whatever 
they  may  be,  and  for  their  ways  of 
doing  business  in  the  discharge  of 
their  duties. 

These  prerogatives  do  not  au- 
thorize arbitrariness  or  excesses 
of  personal  initiative  on  the  part 
of  the  deputies. 

The  rules  of  the  Assembly  shall 
establish  the  means  of  repressing 
any  abuses  which  may  be  com- 
mitted. 

Art.  45.  The  declaration  to 
which  item  1  of  the  foregoing  ar- 
ticle refers  having  been  made,  the 
accused  parties  shall  remain  sub- 
ject to  the  court  of  competent  juris- 
diction and  suspended  from  the  ex- 
ercise of  their  legislative  functions. 
The  said  parties  shall  be  disquali- 
fied from  performing  again  said 
functions,  unless  they  are  acquit- 
ted. If  they  are  condemned,  their 
seats  shall  become  vacant  and  new 
elections  shall  be  ordered  to  fill 
them. 

Art.  46.  If  the  Assembly  is  not 
in  session  it  shall  be  incumbent 
upon  the  permanent  committee  to 
declare  whether  or  not  criminal 
proceedings  shall  be  instituted 
against  a  deputy. 

Art.  47.  Should  any  deputy  be 
arrested  flagrante  delicto,  he  shall 
be  placed  immediately  at  the  dis- 
posal of  the  Assembly,  or  of  the 
permanent  committee  if  the  Assem- 
bly is  not  in  session. 

Art.  48.  The  Assembly  shall 
consist  of  a  deputy  for  each  twenty 
thousand  inhabitants  or  a  fraction 
thereof  exceeding  ten  thousand. 

The  law  shall  provide  the  man- 
ner of  making  the  elections ;  but  the 
principle  of  popular  election  shall 
not  in  any  manner  be  affected  by  it. 


244 


REPUBLIC    OF    GUATEMALA. 


Art.  49.  Para  ser  electo  Dipu- 
tado  se  requiere  estar  en  el  e]er- 
cicio  de  los  dereehos  de  ciudadano 
y  tener  mas  de  veintiun  anos. 

Art.  50.  No  podran  ser  electos 
Diputados  los  contratistas  de  obras 
6  servicios  publicos  de  cualquiera 
clase,  que  se  costeen  con  fondos 
del  Estado,  y  los  que  de  resultas 
de  tales  contratas,  tengan  pen- 
dientes    reclamaciones  de   interns 

f)ropio.  Tampoeo  podran  serlo 
os  Secretarios  de  Estado;  }r  por  el 
departauiento  6  distrito  electoral 
en  que  ejercen  sus  funciones,  los 
Jefes  Politicos,  Comandantes  de 
Armas,  Jueces  de  Primera  instan- 
cia,  Administradores  de  rentas 
publicas  y  ministros  de  los  cultos. 


Art.  51.  Los  Diputados  dura- 
ran  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones 
cuatro  anos;  pero  la  Asamblea  se 
renovara  por  mitad  cada  dos  anos. 
Al  efecto,  antes  de  cerrar  sus  se- 
siones  del  primer  afio  constitu- 
cional,  hara  el  sorteo  de  los  Dipu- 
tados que  deben  salir  despues  del 
primer  bienio. 

secci6n  ii. 


Art.  49.  No  one  shall  be  elected 
deputy  who  is  not  a  citizen,  in  the 
exercise  of  his  rights  as  such,  and 
over  twenty -one  years  of  age. 

Art.  50.  Contractors  of  publ it- 
works  or  services,  the  cost  of  which 
is  defrayed  with  Government 
funds,  and  those  who  in  conse- 
quence of  the  said  contracts  have 
interest  in  claims  against  the  Gov- 
ernment, shall  be  ineligible  to  be 
Deputies.  The  members  of  the 
cabinet  shall  also  be  ineligible. 
The  political  chiefs,  military  local 
commanders,  judges  of  first  in- 
stance, collectors  of  public  rev- 
enue, and  ministers  of  religion, 
shall  be  disqualified  from  repre- 
senting in  the  Assembly  the  De- 
partment or  electoral  district  in 
which  they  exercise  their  func- 
tions. 

Art.  51.  The  Deputies  shall 
serve  for  four  years,  but  the 
Assembly  shall  be  renewed  by 
halves  eveiy  two  years.  For  this 
purpose  the  Assembly  shall,  before 
closing  the  sessions  of  its  first  con- 
stitutional year,  decide  by  lot  who 
are  the  deputies  whose  seats  shall 
be  vacated  at  the  expiration  of  the 
second  year. 

SECTION   II. 


Atribuciones  del  Poder  Legislation).        Powers  of  the  legislative  body. 


Art.  52.  Corresponde  al  Poder 
Legislativo: 

1°.  Abrir  y  cerrar  las  sesiones 
ordinarias  y  extraordinarias. 

2°.  Hacer  el  escrutinio  de  votos 
para  Presidente  de  la  Republica  y 
proclamar  popularaiente  electo  al 
ciudadano  que  hubiere  obtenido 
mayoria  absoluta  de  votos. 

3°.  Elegir  Presidente  entre  los 
tres  candidates  que  hayan  obtenido 
el  mayor  numero  de  suf  ragios,  en 
el  caso  de  que  no  hubiere  eleccion 
popular  por  falta  de  mayoria  ab- 
soluta de  votos. 


Art.  52.  The  following  powers 
are  vested  in  the  legislative  body: 

1.  To  open  and  close  its  ordi- 
nary and  extraordinary  sessions. 

2.  To  count  the  votes  for  Pres- 
ident of  the  Republic,  and  to  pro- 
claim popularly  elected  the  citizen 
who  obtained  an  absolute  majority 
of  votes. 

3.  To  choose,  from  among  the 
three  candidates  who  obtained  the 
greatest  number  of  votes,  the  one 
who  is  to  be  President  of  the  Re- 
public, if  no  candidate  could  secure 
absolute  majority. 


CONSTITUTION. 


245 


4°.  Nombrar  los  Designados  en 
las  ultimas  sesiones  de  cada  ano. 

5°.  Dar  posesion  al  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  y  recibirle  la  pro- 
testa  de  ley. 

6°.  Admitir  6  no,  segiin  lo  es- 
time  conveniente,  la  renuncia  que 
haga  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica. 

7°.  Conceder  6  no  permiso  al 
Presidente  de  la  Republica,  para 
ausentarsedel  territorio  de  Centro- 
America. 

8°.  Designar  la  persona  que 
debe  subrogar,  durante  su  ausen- 
cia,  al  Presidente  de  la  Republica, 
cuando  este  haya  obtenido  per- 
miso para  ausentarse  del  territorio 
de  Centro-Ame>ica. 

9°.  Hacer  el  escrutinio  de  votos 
para  Presidente,  Magistrados  y 
Fiscales  de  los  Tribunales  de  Jus- 
ticia,  cuyaeleccion  sera  popular  di- 
recta,  y  proclamar  popularmente 
electos  a  los  ciudadanos  que  hubie- 
ren  obtenido  mayoria  relativa  de 
votos. 

10°.  Admitir  6  no  la  renuncia  que 
hagan  el  Presidente,  Magistrados 
y  Fiscales  de  los  Tribunales  de 
Ju^ticia,  y  designar  las  personas 
que  deban  subrogarlos  para  com- 
pletar  el  periodo  constitucional, 
por  admision  de  la  renuncia  6  falta 
absoluta  de  alguno  de  dichos  fun- 
cionarios. 

Art.  53.  Tambien  es  atribucion 
de  la  Asamblea  declarar  si  ha  lugar 
6  no  a  formacion  de  causa  contra 
el  Presidente  de  la  Republica, 
Ministros  del  Despacho,  Conseje- 
ros  de  Estado,  Magistrados,  Fis- 
cales de  los  Tribunales  Superiores 
y  Fiscales  del  Gobierno. 

La  lej7  de  responsabilidades  de- 
termina  la  forma  del  procedi- 
miento,  y  el  Tribunal  que  deba 
conocer  en  la  causa. 


4.  To  appoint  in  the  last  meet- 
ings of  each  year  the  function- 
aries called  designados. 

5.  To  give  possession  of  his 
office  to  the  President  of  the  Re- 
public and  receive  from  him  the 
promise  required  by  law. 

6.  To  accept  or  refuse  to  accept, 
as  it  may  deem  advisable,  the  res- 
ignation of  the  President  of  the 
Republic. 

7.  To  grant  or  refuse  permis- 
sion to  the  President  of  the  Repub- 
lic to  leave  the  territory  of  Central 
America. 

8.  To  designate  the  person  who 
shall  act  as  President  of  the  Repub- 
lic during  his  absence  from  the  ter- 
ritory of  Central  America,  when 
granted  permission  to  do  so. 

9.  To  count  the  votes  for  chief 
j  ustices,  associate  j  ustices  and  Gov  - 
eminent  attorneys  in  the  tribunals 
of  justice,  whose  election  shall  be 
popular  and  direct.  It  shall  pro- 
claim elected  by  the  people  the 
citizens  who  have  obtained  the 
greatest  number  of  votes. 

10.  To  accept  or  refuse  to  accept 
the  resignations  of  chief  justices, 
associate  justices,  and  Government 
attorneys  in  the  tribunals  of  jus- 
tice, and  designate,  if  the  resigna- 
tions are  accepted,  or  if  the  offices 
become  absolutely  vacant,  the  per- 
sons who  should  fill  the  positions 
until  the  completion  of  the  respec- 
tive constitutional  terms  of  office. 

Art.  53.  To  declare  whether  or 
not  impeachment  proceedings  shall 
be  instituted  against  the  President 
of  the  Republic,  members  of  the 
cabinet,  members  of  the  council 
of  state,  justices  and  Government 
attorneys  of  the  superior  courts, 
and  solicitors  of  the  Government. 

The  law  shall  determine  the  man- 
ner and  form  of  the  impeachment 
proceedings  and  the  tribunal  which 
shall  take  cognizance  of  the  cases. 


246 


REPUBLIC    OF    GUATEMALA. 


Art.  54.  Son  tambien  atribu- 
ciones  del  Poder  Legislativo: 

1°.  Decretar,  interpretar,  re- 
formar  y  derogar  las  \eyes  que 
deben  regir  en  todos  los  ramos  de 
la  Administracion. 

.2°.  Fijar  cada  ano  los  gastos  de 
la  Administracion  publica,  apro- 
bando  6  reprobando  el  presupuesto 
que  debe  presentar  el  Poder 
Ejecutivo. 

3°.  Decretar  las  contribuciones 
6  impuestos  ordinarios  que  se  ne- 
cesiten  para  cubrir  el  presupuesto 
de  los  gastos  de  la  Administracion 
y  los  creditos  reconocidos. 

4°.  Aprobar  6  no  anualmente  la 
cuenta  que  debe  presentar  el 
Ejecutivo,  de  los  fondos  invertidos 
en  la  Administracion  publica,  asi 
como  de  los  gastos  imprevistos 
que  hayan  sido  necesarios. 

5°.  Decretar  impuestos  extraor- 
dinarios  cuando  la  necesidad  lo 
exija. 

6°.  Autorizar  al  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo para  celebrar  contratos  y  ne- 
gociar  emprestitos  en  el  interior  6 
en  el  extranjero,  y  garantizar  el 
pago  con  las  rentas  de  la  Nacion. 

7°.  Examinar  las  reclamaciones 
contra  el  Erario  publico  por  credi- 
tos no  presupuestos,  y ,  reconocidos 
por  la  Asamblea,  senalar  fondos 
para  su  amortization. 

8°.  Fijar  la  ley,  el  peso  y  el 
tipo  de  la  moneda  nacional,  y  fijar 
tambien  el  sistema  de  pesas  y 
medidas. 

9°.  Aprobar  6  reprobar,  antes 
de  su  ratification,  los  tratados  y 
las  convenciones  que  el  Ejecutivo 
celebrare  con  los  demas  paises. 

10°.  Decretar  pensiones  y  hono- 
res  piiblicos  por  grandes  servicios 
prestados  a  la  Nacion. 

11°.  Autorizar  al  Ejecutivo  para 
que  emita  aquellas  leyes  que  por 
su  extension  no  puedan  ser  expe- 
didas  por  el  Poder  Legislativo,  al 


Art.  54.  The  following  powers 
are  also  vested  in  the  legislative 
body: 

1.  To  enact,  interpret,  amend, 
and  repeal  the  laws  which  must  be 
observed  in  all  branches  of  the 
administration  of  the  Govern- 
ment. 

2.  To  fix  every  year  the  amount 
of  Government  expenses,  approv- 
ing or  disapproving  the  estimates 
submitted  by  the  Executive  power. 

3.  To  cause  ordinary  taxes  to  be 
levied  and  collected  to  meet  the 
expenses  of  the  Government  and 
pay  the  claims  approved. 

4.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
every  year  the  account  which  the 
Executive  must  submit  of  the  dis- 
bursements made  for  the  support 
of  the  Government,  and  for  any 
unforeseen  expenses  which  may 
have  occurred. 

5.  To  cause  extraordinary  taxes 
to  be  levied  and  collected,  when 
necessary. 

6.  To  authorize  the  Executive 
power  to  enter  into  contracts  and 
negotiate  loans,  either  at  home  or 
abroad,  and  to  pledge  for  their  pay- 
ment the  revenues  of  the  Nation. 

7.  To  examine  the  claims  pre- 
sented against  the  treasury  arising 
out  of  items  not  included  in  the 
budget,  and  if  they  are  approved 
to  make  the  proper  appropriation 
for  their  payment. 

8.  To  fix  the  fineness,  weight, 
and  denominations  of  the  national 
coins;  and  also  the  standard  of 
weights  and  measures. 

9.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
the  treaties  and  conventions  con- 
cluded by  the  Executive  power 
with  other  countries. 

10.  To  grant  pensions  and  pub- 
lic honors  for  great  services  ren- 
dered to  the  Nation. 

11.  To  authorize  the  Executive 
power  to  enact  such  laws  as,  owing 
to  their  extent,  can  not  be  enact- 
ed  b}'  the  legislative  power,  to 


CONSTITUTION. 


247 


que  debera  dar  cuenta  de  ellas  en 
su  oportunidad. 

12°.  Conceder  facultades  extra- 
ordinarias  al  Ejecutivo  cuando  lo 
demande  la  necesidad  6  el  interes 
de  la  Republica;  determinando  en 
el  Decreto  cuales  son  las  facul- 
tades. 

13°.  Aprobar  6  desaprobar  los 
actos  que  hubiese  practicado  el 
Poder  Ejecutivo,  en  ejercicio  de 
las  facultades  que  se  le  hayan  con- 
cedido. 

14°.  Conf  erir  los  grados  de  Brig- 
adier y  General  de  Division  cuando 


el  Ejecutivo  lo  proponga  y  acom- 

>,   la  he " 
servicfos  del  propuesto. 


pane,  para  el  efecto,   k  hoja  de 


15°.  Declamr  la  guerra  y  apro- 
bar los  tratados  de  paz. 

16°.  Decretar  las  amnistias  y  los 
indultos  generales  cuando  lo  exi- 
giere  la  conveniencia  publica. 

Art.  55.  Corresponde  asimismo 
a  la  Asamblea: 

1°.  Elegir  en  la  apertura  de  sus 
sesiones,  el  Presidente,  Vicepresi- 
dente  y  demas  funcionarios  que 
componen  la  mesa,  conforme  al 
Reglamento  interior. 

2°.  Calificar  las  elecciones  de 
sus  respectivos  miembros,  y  apro- 
bar 6  reprobar  sus  credenciales. 

3°.  Admitir  6  no  las  renuncias 
que  presenten  y  mandar  que  se 
proceda  a  nuevas  elecciones,  para 
llenar  las  vacantes  que  ocurran 
por  el  motivo  expresado  6  por 
otro  alguno. 

4°.  Formar  el  Reglamento  de  su 
regimen  interior. 

5°.  Hacer  concurrir  a  los  Dipu- 
tados  ausentes  y  corregir  las  faltas 
u  omisiones  de  los  presentes. 

secci6n  hi. 

De  la  formacion  y  sancion  de  la 
ley. 

Art.  56.  Las  leyes  pueden  tener 
origen  en  la  Asamblea,  por  propo- 


which,  however,  a  report  thereon 
should  be  submitted  in  due  time. 

12.  To  grant  extraordinary  fac- 
ulties to  the  Executive  power, 
when  necessity  or  the  interest  of 
the  Republic  ma}'  so  demand;  but 
the  decree  of  concession  shall  spec- 
ify the  powers  granted. 

13.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
the  acts  done  by  the  Executive 
power  in  the  exercise  of  its  func- 
tions. 

14.  To  appoint  Brigadier  Gen- 
erals and  Generals  of  division  up- 
on nomination  of  the  Executive 
power,  and  proof  of  the  services 
of  the  nominees. 

15.  To  declare  war  and  approve 
treaties  of  peace. 

16.  To  grant  general  amnesties 
and  pardons  when  public  utility 
may  so  demand. 

Art.  55.  The  following  powers 
are  also  vested  in  the  Assembly: 

1.  To  elect  at  the  opening  of  the 
session  its  own  President,  vice- 
president,  and  all  the  other  func- 
tionaries who  under  the  rules  of 
the  Assembly  are  necessary  to 
complete  its  organization. 

2.  To  be  the  judge  of  the  elec- 
tion of  its  own  members  and  ap- 
prove or  disapprove  their  creden- 
tials. 

3.  To  accept  or  refuse  to  accept 
the  resignations  of  its  members, 
and  order  new  elections  to  be  held 
to  fill  the  places  vacant  for  this  or 
any  other  reason. 

4.  To  make  rules  for  its  interior 
government. 

5.  To  compel  the  attendance  of 
absent  deputies  and  punish  those 
present  for  disorderly  behavior. 

SECTION  III. 

Enactment  and  approval  of  the 
laws. 

Art.  56.  Bills  shall  be  intro- 
duced in  the  Assembly  either  by 


248 


REPUBLIC    OF    GUATEMALA. 


sicion  de  alguno  de  sus  miembros, 
por  iniciativa  del  Poder  Ejecutivo 
o  del  Judicial,  en  materia  de  su 
competencia. 

Art.  57.  La  Asamblea,  para  ejer- 
cer  las  atribuciones  de  que  hablan 
los  ineisos  6°  y  7°  del  articulo  52, 
el  articulo  54  y  el  inciso  4°  del  arti- 
culo 55,  pondra  a  discusion  el 
asunto  de  que  se  trate,  en  tres 
sesiones  diferentes,  celebradas  en 
distintos  dias,  y  no  podra  votarse 
hasta  que  se  tenga  por  suficiente- 
mente  discutido  en  la  tercera 
sesion. 

En  todas  las  demas  ritualidades 
de  procedimientos,  se  observara 
lo  que  prescriba  el  Reglamento 
interior. 

Art.  58.  Aprobado  un  proyecto 
de  ley,  pasara  al  Ejecutivo  para  su 
sancion. 

Art.  59.  El  Presidente  sancio- 
nara  y  mandara  promulgar  la  ley 
votada  por  la  Asam  blea,  pero  si  se  le 
encontrare  inconveniente,  podra, 
de  acuerdo  con  el  Consejo  ae  Mi- 
nistros,  negar  su  sancion  y  devol-, 
verla  a  la  Asamblea,  dentro  de 
diez  dias  y  con  las  observaciones 
que  estime  oportunas.  La  Asam- 
blea podra  reconsiderar  desde 
luego  el  proyecto  de  le}7  6  dejarlo 
para  las  sesiones  del  ano  siguiente, 
si  no  fueren  aceptadas  las  obser- 
vaciones hechas  por  el  Ejecutivo. 
En  este  ultimo  caso,  si  la  Asam- 
blea ratificare  el  proyecto  con  las 
dos  terceras  partes  de  votos,  el 
Ejecutivo  debera  sancionar  y  pro- 
mulgar la  ley. 

Art.  60.  Si  el  Ejecutivo  no  de- 
vol viere  el  proyecto  de  ley ,  despues 
del  termino  de  diez  dias  contados 
desde  su  remision,  se  tendra  por 
sancionado  y  debera  promulgarse 
como  ley.  Si  la  Asamblea  cerrare 
sus  sesiones  antes  de  los  diez  dias 
en  que  pueda  verificarse  la  devo- 
lucion,  el  Ejecutivo  debera  ha- 
cerlo  dentro  de  los  ocho  primeros 
dias  de  las  sesiones  ordinarias  del 
ano  siguiente. 


anyone  of  its  members,  or  by  the 
Executive.  The  judicial  power 
may  introduce  them  when  relating 
to  judicial  matters. 

Art.  57.  The  Assembly  shall 
exercise  the  powers  enumerated 
in  sections  6  and  7  of  articles  52 
and  54,  and  section  4  of  article  55, 
by  discussing  in  three  different 
meetings  held  on  different  days, 
the  subject  presented  to  it;  and  no 
vote  shall  be  taken  until  said  sub- 
ject is  held  in  the  third  meeting  to 
have  been  sufficiently  discussed. 

The  rules  of  the  Assembly  shall 
fix  the  order  of  proceedings  to  be 
observed  in  these  discussions. 

Art.  58.  All  bills  passed  b}-  the 
Assembly  shall  be  sent  for  ap- 
proval to  the  Executive  power. 

Art.  59.  If  the  President  ap- 
proves the  bill  as  passed  by  the 
Assembly,  he  shall  order  it  to  be 
promulgated;  but  if  he  objects  to 
its  provisions,  he  may,  upon  the 
advice  of  the  council  of  ministers, 
withhold  his  approval,  in  which 
case  he  shall  return  it  to  the  Assem- 
bly, within  ten  days,  accompanied 
with  the  remarks  that  he  may  deem 
proper.  The  Assembly  may  either 
reconsider  the  matter  at  once,  or,  if 
the  remarks  made  by  the  Executive 
are  not  accepted,  postpone  its  re- 
consideration until  the  session  of 
the  next  year.  In  the  latter  case, 
if  the  Assembly  ratifies  the  bill  by 
a  two-thirds  vote,  the  Executive 
shall  be  bound  to  approve  it  and 
promulgate  it  as  law. 

Art.  60.  If  the  Executive  power 
does  not  return  the  bill  within  ten 
da}Ts  to  be  counted  from  the  date 
on  which  it  was  sent  to  it,  it  shall 
be  considered  approved  and  shall 
be  promulgated  as  law.  If  the 
Assembly  adjourns  before  the 
expiration  of  the  ten  days,  the 
return  of  the  bill  being  thus  im- 
possible, the  Executive  power  shall 
return  it  within  the  first  eight 
days  of  the  next  ordinary  session. 


CONSTITUTION. 


249 


Art.  61.  No  necesitan  de  la 
sancion  del  Ejecutivo  las  disposi- 
ciones  de  la  Asamblea,  relativas  a 
su  regimen  interior,  a  la  califica- 
cion  de  elecciones  3T  renuncia  de  los 
elegidos,  a  la  declaracion  de  haber 
6  no  lugar  a  formacion  de  causa 
contra  los  funcionarios  publicos 
que  expresan  los  articulos  44  y  53, 
y  las  demas  disposiciones  consigna- 
das  en  los  articulos  52  y  55. 

SECCION    IV. 

De  la  Comision  Permanente. 

Art.  62.  La  Asamblea,  antes  de 
cerrar  sus  sesiones,  elegira  siete 
de  sus  miembros,  para  que  formen 
la  Comision  Permanente,  debiendo 
esta,  en  su  primera  sesion,  designar 
la  persona  que  la  presida. 

Art.  63.  Son  atribuciones  de  la 
Comision  Permanente  en  receso  de 
la  Asamblea: 

1°.  Declarar  si  ha  6  no  lugar  a 
formacion  de  causa  contra  los  Di- 
putados  en  los  casos  que  expresan 
los  articulos  44  y  53. 

2°.  Dar  tramite  a  los  negocios 
que  hubieren  quedado  pendientes 
para  que  puedan  ser  considerados. 

3°.  Convocar  a  la. Asamblea  a 
sesiones  extraordinarias  cuando  la 
exigencia  del  caso  lo  demande. 

La  Comision  Permanente  se 
reunira  siempre  que  f uere  convo- 
cada  por  el  que  la  presida. 

TfTUXO  IV. 

DEL    EJECUTIVO  Y    SUS  ATRIBU- 
CIONES. 

SECCI6N  I. 

Organizacion  del  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  64.  Un  ciudadano  con  el 
titulo  de  Presidente  de  la  Repii- 
blica,  ejerce  el  Poder  Ejecutivo,  y 
sera  elegido  popular  y  directa- 
mente. 


Art.  61.  The  acts  of  the  Assem- 
bly relating  to  its  own  govern- 
ment, the  election  of  its  members, 
the  admission  or  rejection  of  their 
resignations,  the  permission  to 
prosecute  public  officials,  or  to 
impeach  them,  as  set  forth  in  arti- 
cles 44  and  53,  and  all  the  other 
provisions  of  articles  52  and  55, 
shall  not  require  the  approval  of 
the  Executive. 

SECTION    IV. 

T/ie  Permanent  Committee. 

Art.  62.  Before  closing  its  ses- 
sions the  Assembly  shall  elect 
seven  of  its  members  to  form  the 
permanent  Committee,  which  shall 
at  its  first  meeting  designate  its 
chairman. 

Art.  63.  The  permanent  Com- 
mittee shall  have  during  the  recess 
of  the  Assembly  the  following- 
powers: 

1.  To  declare  whether  or  not  a 
member  of  the  Assembly  shall  be 
prosecuted  under  the  provisions  of 
articles  44  and  53. 

2.  To  take  up  the  unfinished 
business  and  put  it  in  shape  for 
proper  consideration  when  the 
Assembly  meets. 

3.  To  call  an  extra  session  of  the 
Assembly  when  the  exigencies  of 
the  circumstances  may  require  it. 

The  permanent  Committee  shall 
meet  at  any  time  at  the  call  of  its 
chairman. 

TIT^E  IV. 

THE  EXECUTIVE  AND  ITS  POW- 
ERS. 

SECTION   I. 

Organization  of  the  Executive. 

Art.  64.  A  citizen  to  be  called 
' '  President  of  the  Republic  "  shall 
exercise  the  Executive  power,  and 
shall  be  elected  popularly  and  di- 
rectly. 


250 


REPUBLIC    OF    GUATEMALA. 


Art.  65.  Para  ser  elegido  Presi- 
dente  se  requiere: 

1°.  Ser  natural  de  Guatemala  6 
de  cualquiera  de  las  otras  Republi- 
cas  de  Centro-America. 

2°.  Ser  raaj-or  de  veintiun  ailos. 

3°.  Estar   en    el    goce    de    los 
derechos  de  ciudadano. 
4°.  Ser  de  estado  seglar. 

Art.  66.  El  periodo  de  la  Presi- 
dencia  sera  de  seis  anos.  La  per- 
sona que  a  virtud  de  eleecion  popu- 
lar 6  de  lo  dispuesto  en  el  inciso 
3°  del  articulo  52,  haya  ejercido  el 
cargo  de  Presidente  de  la  Repu- 
blica,  no  podra  ser  reelecta  para 
e"ste,  sin  que  intermedie,  por  lo 
menos,  un  periodo  constitucional. 

Art.  67.  El  Presidente  es  res- 
ponsible de  sus  actos  ante  la 
Asamblea. 

Art.  68.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  depositara  el  raando  en 
la  persona  que  elija  la  Asamblea, 
cuando,  con  permiso  de  esta,  dis- 
ponga  ausentarse  del  territorio  de 
Centro-America. 

Art.  69.  Habra  dos  Designados 
electos  por  la  Asamblea,  para  que, 
segun  el  orden  y  en  el  caso  que  la 
Constitution  expresa,  sustituyan 
al  Presidente  de  la  Republica. 

Para  ser  electo  Designado  se 
requieren  las  mismas  caliaades  que 
para  ser  Presidente  de  la  Republica. 

En  caso  de  falta  absoluta  del 
Presidente  de  la  Republica,  el  Po- 
der  Ejecutivo  quedara  a  cargo  del 
primer  Designado,  }7  en  def  ecto  de 
este,  del  segundo.  El  Designado, 
en  tal  caso,  dentro  de  los  ocho  dias 
que  sigan  al  de  la  falta  absoluta, 
convocara  a  eleecion  de  Presidente; 
debiendo  tener  lugar  6sta  antes  de 
que  trascurran  seis  meses  contados 
desde  la  fecha  de  la  convocatoria. 
Verificada  la  eleecion  y  hecha  en 
seguida  por  la  Asamblea  la  decla- 
ratoria  a  que  se  contrae  el  inciso 
2°  del   articulo   52,   el   ciudadano 


Art.  65.  To  be  elected  Presi- 
dent, it  shall  be  required: 

1.  To  be  a  native  of  Guatemala 
or  of  any  other  Republic  of  Central 
America. 

2.  To  be  over  twenty-one  years 
of  age. 

3.  To  be  in  the  enjoyment  of  the 
rights  of  citizenship. 

4.  Not  to  belong  to  the  ecclesi- 
astical state. 

Art.  66.  The  term  of  office  of 
the  President  shall  be  six  years. 
The  person  who,  by  virtue  of  popu- 
lar election,  or  in  obedience  to 
the  provisions  of  section  3  of 
article  52,  has  filled  the  position  of 
President  of  the  Republic,  shall 
not  be  reelected  without  the  inter- 
mission at  least  of  a  constitutional 
period. 

Art.  67.  The  President  is  re- 
sponsible to  the  Assembly  for  his 
acts. 

Art.  68.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  turn  his  office  over 
to  the  person  selected  for  that  pur- 
pose by  the  Assembty,  when  he, 
with  the  permission  of  the  latter, 
decides  to  absent  himself  from  the 
territory  of  Central  America. 

Art.  69.  Two  officials,  elected 
by  the  Assembly,  and  to  be  called 
designados,  shall  fill,  in  the  order 
of  their  election,  the  place  of  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic,  in  the  cases 
set  forth  by  the  Constitution. 

To  be  elected  designado  the  same 
qualifications  are  required  as  to  be 
elected  President  of  the  Republic. 

In  case  of  absolute  vacancy  of 
the  office  of  President  of  the 
Republic,  the  Executive  power 
shall  be  transmitted  to  the  first 
designado,  and  in  his  default  to  the 
second,  in  which  case  the  latter 
shall  call,  within  eight  days  follow- 
ing the  vacancy,  for  a  presidential 
election,  to  be  held  within  six 
months  to  be  counted  from  the 
date  of  the  call.  The  election  hav- 
ing been  held  and  the  Assembly 
having  made  the  declaration  to 
which  section  2  of  article  52  refers, 
the  citizen  elected  shall  at  once 


CONSTITUTION. 


251 


electotomaradesde  luegoposesion, 
j  su  periodo  se  computara  desde 
el  quince  de  Marzo  siguiente. 

Art.  70.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Repiiblica,  al  tomar  posesion,  hara 
la  solemne  protesta  que  sigue: 
"Protesto  desempenar  con  patrio- 
tismo  el  cargo  de  Presidente  y 
observar  y  hacer  que  se  observe 
con  fidelidad  la  Constitucion  de  la 
Republica." 

Art.  71.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  tendra  para  el  despacho 
de  los  negocios,  el  numero  de  Secre- 
taries que  la  ley  determina.  Su 
nombramiento  y  separacion  corres- 
ponde  al  mismo  Presidente. 

Art.  72.  Para  ser  Secretario  de 
Estado  se  requiere  ser  mayor  de 
veintiun  anos  j  del  estado  seglar, 
hallarse  en  ejercicio  de  los  derechos 
de  ciudadano  y  no  ser  contratista 
de  obras  publicas,  ni  tener  pen- 
dientes  de  resultas  de  esas  con 
tratas,  reclamaciones  de  interes 
propio. 

Art.  73.  Los  Secretarios  de 
Estado,  en  sus  respectivos  departa- 
mentos,  autorizaran  las  providen- 
cias  del  Presidente. 

Todas  las  ordenes  y  demas  dis- 
posiciones  del  Poder  Ejecutivo 
deberan  firmarse  y  comunicarse 
por  el  Secretario  del  departamento 
a  que  correspondan. 

Art.  74.  La  responsabilidad  de 
los  Secretarios  de  Estado  es  soli- 
daria  con  la  del  Presidente  por 
todos  los  actos  de  este  que  autori- 
zen  con  su  firma. 

Art.  75.  Los  Secretarios  de 
Estado  deberan,  en  los  primeros 
dias  de  las  sesiones  ordinarias  de 
la  Asamblea,  presentarle  una 
memoria  detallada  de  la  situacion 
de  los  negocios  en  sus  respectivos 
despachos. 

Art.  76.  Los  Secretarios  de 
Estado  pueden  concurrir  a  las 
sesiones   de    la  Asamblea,   y   to- 


take  possession  of  the  office,  and 
his  presidential  term  shall  be  com- 
puted from  the  fifteenth  of  March 
following. 

Art.  70.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  in  taking  possession  of 
his  office  shall  make  the  following 
affirmation:  "I  affirm  that  I  will 
fulfil  with  patriotism  the  office  of 
President,  and  will  comply  and 
cause  others  to  comply  faithfully 
with  the  Constitution  of  the  Re- 
public." 

Art.  71.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  have  for  the  trans- 
action of  business  the  number  of 
Secretaries  of  States  provided  by 
law.  The  appointment  and  re- 
moval of  these  functionaries  shall 
belong  to  the  President. 

Art.  72.  To  be  a  Secretary  of 
State  the  following  qualifications 
are  required:  to  be  over  twenty - 
one  years  of  age;  not  to  belong  to 
the  ecclesiastical  state;  to  be  in  the 
exercise  of  the  rights  of  citizen- 
ship; not  to  be  a  contractor  of 
public  works;  and  not  to  be  per- 
sonally interested  in  claims  arising 
out  of  said  contracts. 

Art.  73.  Each  Secretary  of  State 
shall  authorize  with  his  signature 
the  decisions  of  the  President  on 
the  matters  belonging  to  his  De- 
partment. 

All  orders  and  decrees  of  the 
Executive  power  shall  be  signed 
and  communicated  by  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Department  to  which 
they  belong. 

Art.  74.  The  Secretaries  of  State 
are  jointly  responsible  with  the 
President  for  all  the  acts  of  the 
latter  authorized  by  them  with 
their  signatures. 

Art.  75.  The  Secretaries  of  State 
shall  during  the  first  days  of  the 
ordinary  session  of  the  Assembly 
submit  a  report  on  the  condition 
of  the  business  of  their  respective 
departments. 

Art.  76.  The  Secretaries  of  State 
may  attend  the  meetings  of  the 
Assembly  and  take  part  in  the  de- 


252 


REPUBLIC    OF    GUATEMALA. 


mar  parte  en  sus  deliberaeiones. 
Tienen  el  deber  de  darle  todos  los 
informes  aue  se  les  pidan  y  el  de 
contestar  a  las  interpelaciones  que 
se  les  dirijan  sobre  los  negocios  de 
la  Administracion,  salvo  aquellos 
referentes  a  asuntos  diplomaticos 
li  operaciones  militares  pendientes. 

secci6n  ii. 

De  los  deberes  y  atribuciones  del 
Poder  Ejecutlvo. 

Art.  77.  Son  deberes  y  atribu- 
ciones del  Poder  Ejecutivo: 

1°.  Defender  la  independencia  y 
el  honor  de  la  Nacion  y  la  inviola- 
bilidad  de  su  terrjtorio. 

2°.  Observar  y  hacer  que  se  ob- 
serve la  Constitucion  y  las  demas 
leyes. 

3°.  Velar  por  la  pronta  y  cum- 
plida  administracion  de  justicia. 

4°.  Velar  por  la  conservacion 
del  orden  publico. 

5°.  Dar  a  los  funcionarios  del 
Poder  Judicial  los  auxilios  y  f uerza 
que  necesiten,  para  hacer  efectivas 
sus  providencias. 

6°.  Dirigir  la  Instruction  Pu- 
blica,  crear  establecimientos  de 
ensenanza,  y  reglamentar  los  sos- 
tenidos  con  fondos  nacionales. 

Tiene  tambien  la  suprema  ins- 
pection sobre  las  escuelas  y  demas 
establecimientos  de  ensenanza,  aun 
cuando  no  sean  sostenidos  por  los 
fondos  nacionales. 

7°.  Cuidar  de  la  recaudacion  y 
administracion  de  las  rentas  na- 
cionales y  decretar  su  inversion 
con  arreglo  a  las  leyes. 

8°.  Nombrar  a  los  Secretarios  de 
Kstado,  admitir  su  renuncia  3T 
separarlos  del  servicio. 

9°.  Nomina r  ii  los  Jueces  de 
Primera  Instancia  a  propuesta  en 
terna  de  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia. 

10°.  Nombrar  a  los  funcionarios 
del  orden  gubernativo  y  militar; 


liberations.  They  shall  furnish 
all  the  information  which  ma\"  be 
asked  of  them  and  answer  to  inter- 
pellations in  government  affairs, 
except  in  matters  which  have  refer- 
ence to  diplomatic  transactions  or 
to  pending  military  operations. 


SECTION   II. 

Duties  and  faculties  of  the 
Execut  t  ve  Pmvei : 

Art.  77.  The  duties  and  facul- 
ties of  the  Executive  Power  shall 
be  the  following: 

1.  To  defend  the  independence 
and  honor  of  the  Nation  and  the 
inviolability  of  its  territory. 

2.  To  observe  and  cause  others 
to  observe  the  Constitution  and 
the  laws. 

3.  To  see  that  the  administration 
of  justice  is  prompt  and  satisfac- 
tory. 

4.  To  cause  public  order  to  be 
preserved. 

5.  To  render  to  the  functionaries 
of  the  judicial  power  the  assistance 
which  they  may  need  to  enforce 
their  decisions. 

6.  To  direct  public  instruction, 
create  schools,  and  make  rules  for 
those  supported  by  the  Govern- 
ment. 

It  has  also  the  power  to  exercise 
supreme  inspection  over  all  the 
schools  and  teaching  establish- 
ments, even  when  not  supported 
by  the  Government. 

7.  To  attend  to  the  collection 
and  management  of  the  national 
revenue,  and  order  it  to  be  dis- 
bursed according  to  law. 

8.  To  appoint  Secretaries  of 
State,accept  their  resignations, and 
remove  them  from  their  positions. 

9.  To  appoint  from  among  three 
nominees  of  the  supreme  court  the 
judges  of  first  instance. 

10.  To  appoint  functionaries  of 
the  Executive  and  military  order 


CONSTITUTION. 


253 


trasladarlos  de  un  punto  a  otro 
cuando  asi  convenga  al  buen  ser- 
vicio  publico. 

11°.  Conferir  grados  militares 
hasta  el  de  Coronel  inclusive. 

12°.  Dirigir  la  fuerza  armada, 
organizarla  y  distribuirla  segiin 
sea  conveniente. 

13°.  Levantar  la  fuerza  que  sea 
necesaria  para  contener  una  inva- 
sion extranjera,  6  para  impedir  6 
sofocar  las  insurrecciones  inte- 
rior es. 

14°.  Nombrar  Ministros  Pleni- 
potenciarios,  Residentes,  Encarga- 
dos  de  Negocios  y  Consules  para  el 
servicio  de  la  Republica  en  el 
extranjero. 

15°.  Recibir  ji  los  Ministros  y  de- 
mas  Enviados  de  otras  naciones  y 
dar  el  exequatur  a  las  patentes  de 
los  Consules  extranjeros. 

16°.  Expedir  pasaporte  a  los  Mi- 
nistros y  demas  Enviados  de  las 
otras  naciones  y  retirar  el  exe- 
quatur a  las  patentes  de  los  Con- 
sules en  los  casos  prescritos  por  el 
Derecho  internacional. 

17°.  Expedir  las  Ordenanzas  y 
Reglamentos  que  sean  necesarios 
para  facilitar  y  asegurar  la  ejecu- 
cion  de  las  leyes  en  todos  los  ramos 
de  la  Administracion. 

18°.  Suspender  las  garantias  de 
acuerdo  con  el  Consejo  de  Minis- 
tros, cuando  lo  exija  el  orden 
publico. 

19°.  Someter  a  la  Asamblea,  para 
su  aprobacion,  los  tratados  que 
hubiere  celebrado. 

20°.  Convocar  a  la  Asamblea  a 
sesiones  extraordinarias  cuando 
hubiere  asuntos  graves  y  urgen- 
tes;  y 

21°.  Sancionar  las  leyes  y  pro- 
mulgar  aquellas  disposiciones  le- 
gislativas  que  no  necesiten  de  la 
sancion  del  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  78.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  tiene  la  facultad  de  con- 
mutar  la  pena  que  sea  mayor  en  la 
escala  general  de  la  penalidad,  en 
la  inmediata  inferior;  y  de  con- 
ceder  indultos  por  delitos  politicos 


and  transfer  them  from  one  place 
to  another  when  advisable  for  the 
good  of  the  service. 

11.  To  grant  military  positions 
up  to  and  including  that  of  colonel. 

12.  To  command  the  army,  or- 
ganize and  distribute  it  as  may 
be  deemed  advisable. 

13.  To  raise  the  force  which 
may  be  necessary  to  repel  foreign 
invasion  or  prevent  and  put  down 
domestic  insurrection. 

11.  To  appoint  ministers  pleni- 
potentiary, ministers  resident, 
charges  d'affaires,  and  consuls  for 
the  service  of  the  Republic  in 
foreign  countries. 

15.  To  receive  the  ministers  and 
envoj'sof  foreign  nations  and  grant 
the  exequatur  to  the  patents  of  for- 
eign consuls. 

16.  To  give  passports  to  the 
ministers  and  other  envoys  of 
foreign  nations  and  to  withdraw 
the  exequatur  to  the  patents  of 
foreign  consuls  in  the  cases  set 
forth  by  international  law. 

17.  To  issue  all  necessary  de- 
crees and  rules  to  facilitate  and 
insure  the  execution  of  the  laws 
in  all  branches  of  the  Government. 

18.  To  suspend,  with  the  advice 
of  the  Council  of  Ministers,  the 
constitutional  guaranties,  when  so 
required  by  public  order. 

19.  To  submit  to  the  Assembty, 
for  approval,  the  treaties  con- 
cluded b}^  it. 

20.  To  call  the  Assembly  to  con- 
vene in  extra  session,  when  grave 
and  urgent  matters  may  so  re- 
quire. 

21.  To  approve  the  laws  and 
promulgate  the  legislative  acts 
which  do  not  need  Executive  ap- 
proval. 

Art.  78.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  have  power  to  com- 
mute sentences,  imposing  the  pen- 
alty immediately  inferior  to  the 
one  fixed  by  the  court;  to  grant 
pardons  for  political  offenses,  and 


254 


REPUBLIC    OF    GUATEMALA. 


y  aun  por  los  comunes  cuando  la 
conveniencia  publica  lo  exija  6  el 
peticionario  tenga  a  su  favor  servi- 
cios  relevantes  prestados  a  la  Na- 
cion.  Una  ley  reglamenta  el  ejer- 
cicio  de  esta  facultad. 

secci6n  hi. 

Del  Consejo  de  Estado. 

Art.  79.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  tendra  un  Consejo  de 
Estado,  compuesto  de  los  Secre- 
taries del  Despacho  y  de  nueve 
Consejeros,  de  los  cuales  cinco  se- 
ran  nombrados  por  la  Asamblea  y 
cuatro  por  el  mismo  Presidente 
de  la  Republica. 

Art.  80.  El  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica puede  nombrar  Consejeros 
mterinos  durante  el  receso  de  la 
Asamblea  para  llenar  las  vacantes 
que  ocurran. 

Art.  81.  Para  ser  electo  Conse- 
jero,  se  requiere  tener  mas  de 
veintiun  anos  de  edad  y  estar  en  el 
ejercicio  de  los  derechos  de  ciuda- 
dano. 

Art.  82.  Los  Consejeros  duraran 
en  el  ejercicio  de  sus  f  unciones  dos 
anos. 

Art.  83.  Son  atribuciones  del 
Consejo: 

la.  Formar  su  Reglamento  de 
regimen  interior. 

2\  Dar  su  dictamen  al  Presi- 
dente de  la  Republica  en  todos  los 
negocios  que  le  consultare. 

Art.  84.  Los  Consejeros  de  Es- 
tado son  responsables  de  los  acuer- 
dos  que  dieren  contrarios  a  la  Cons- 
titution y  a  las  demas  leyes. 

titulo  v. 

DEL  PODER  JUDICIAL. 

Art.  85.  El  Poder  Judicial  se 
ejerce  por  los  Jueces  y  Tribunales 
delaRepubMca;  aelloscorresponde 
exclusivamente  la  potestad  de  apli- 
car  las  leyes  en  los  juicios  civiles 
y  criminales. 


even  for  common  ones,  when  pub- 
lic utility  may  so  demand,  or  when 
the  petitioner  has  rendered  signal 
services  to  the  Nation.  The  law 
shall  regulate  the  exercise  of  this 
power. 

section  m. 

The  Council  of  State. 

Art.  79.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  have  a  Council  of 
State,  consisting  of  the  Secreta- 
ries of  State  and  nine  Councilors, 
five  of  whom  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  Assembly  and  the  other  four 
by  the  President  of  the  Republic. 

Art.  80.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  have  power  to  ap- 
point during  the  recess  of  the  As- 
sembly Councilors  pro  tern,  to  fill 
the  vacancies  which  may  occur. 

Art.  81.  To  be  a  Councilor  it  is 
required  to  be  over  twenty-one 
years  of  age  and  to  be  in  the  full 
exercise  of  the  rights  of  citizen- 
ship. 

Art.  82.  The  Councilors  shall 
exercise  their  functions  for  two 
years. 

Art.  83.  The  powers  of  the 
Council  are: 

1.  To  make  rules  for  its  interior 
government. 

2.  To  give  its  opinion  in  all  the 
matters  about  which  the  President 
of  the  Republic  may  consult  it. 

Art.  84.  The  Councilors  of 
State  are  responsible  for  the  opin- 
ions given  by  them  in  opposition  to 
the  Constitution  and  the  laws. 

TITLE  V. 

THE  JUDICIAL  POWER. 

Art.  85.  The  judicial  power  is 
vested  in  the  judges  and  tribunals 
of  the  Republic,  to  whom  the  right 
belongs  exclusively  of  applying  the 
laws  in  all  cases,  civil  and  criminal. 


CONSTITUTION. 


255 


Art.  86.  Para  ser  electo  Magis- 
trado  6  Fiscal  se  necesita  estar  en 
el  goce  de  los  derechos  de  ciuda- 
dano,  ser  mayor  de  veintiun  afios, 
abogado  y  del  estado  seglar. 


Art.  87.  Los  f  uncionarios  de  los 
Tribunales  Superiores  de  Justicia 
y  los  Jueces  de  Primera  Instancia, 
duraran  cuatro  aiios  en  el  ejercicio 
de  sus  f  unciones. 

Art.  88.  Es  tambien  atribucion 
exclusiva  de  los  Tribunales,  juzgar 
y  hacer  que  se  ejecute  lo  juzgado. 

Art.  89.  Las  leyes  senalan  el 
orden  y  formalidades  de  los 
juicios. 

Art.  90.  Todos  los  habitantes 
de  la  Republica  estaran  sujetos  al 
orden  de  procedimientos  que  de- 
terminan  las  leyes. 

Art.  91.  En  ningun  juicio  puede 
haber  mas  de  tres  instancias  y  unos 
mismos  Jueces  no  pueden  conocer 
en  diversas  instancias. 

Art.  92.  Los  Jueces  cualquiera 
que  sea  su  denominacion  6  cate- 
goria,  son  responsables  personal- 
mente  de  toda  infraccion  de  ley, 
con  arreglo  a  la  responsabilidad 
del  Poder  Judicial. 


Art.  93.  La  ley  constitutiva  del 
Poder  Judicial  establecera  todo  lo 
demas  que  a  el  concierne. 

TITUIiO  VI. 

DEL  GOBIERNO  DE  LOS  DEPARTA- 
MENTOS  Y  DE  LAS  MUNIC1PALI- 
DADES. 

Art.  94.  La  ley  divide  el  terri- 
torio  nacional  en  Departamentos 
para  su  mejor  administracion. 


Art.  95.  El  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica nombrara  para  el  gobierno 
de  cada   Departamento   un   Jefe 


Art.  86.  To  be  elected  judge, 
or  prosecuting  attorney,  it  shall  be 
necessary  to  be  in  the  full  enjoy- 
ment of  the  rights  of  citizenship, 
to  be  over  twenty-one  years  of  age, 
to  be  a  lawyer,  and  not  to  belong 
to  the  ecclesiastical  state. 

Art.  87.  The  functionaries  of 
the  superior  tribunals  of  justice 
and  the  judges  of  first  instance 
shall  serve  for  four  years. 

Art.  88.  The  power  to  render 
judicial  decisions,  and  to  enforce 
them  belongs  exclusively  to  the 
tribunals. 

Art.  89.  The  laws  shall  fix  the 
manner  and  form  according  to 
which  the  trials  shall  be  conducted. 

Art.  90.  All  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Republic  are  subject  to  the 
course  of  proceedings  established 
by  law. 

Art.  91.  No  case  shall  have  more 
than  three  instances,  and  the  same 
judges  shall  not  take  cognizance  of 
a  case  in  different  instances. 

Art.  92.  The  judges,  whatever 
their  rank  or  category  may  be, 
shall  be  personally  responsible  for 
every  violation  of  law  committed 
by  them,  this  responsibility  to  be 
enforced  according  to  the  provi- 
sions applicable  to  the  judicial 
power. 

Art.  93.  The  Judiciary  law  shall 
provide  everything  concerning  the 
judicial  power. 

TITLE  VI. 

THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  DE- 
PARTMENTS AND  MUNICIPAL 
DISTRICTS. 

Art.  94.  The  law  divides  the 
national  territory  into  several  De- 
partments in  order  that  the  gov- 
ernment thereof  may  be  better  ad- 
ministered. 

Art.  95.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  appoint  a  political 
chief  for  each  Department,  said 


256 


REPUBLIC    OF    GUATEMALA. 


Politico,  cuyas  calidades  y  atribu- 
ciones  tijara  la  ley. 

Art.  96.  La  ley  organiza  las 
Municipalidades  sin  alterarel  prin- 
cipio  de  eleccion  popular  directa, 
3T  designa  las  facultades  que  les 
corresponded 

Art.  97.  Las  Municipalidades 
podran  establecer,  con  la  aproba- 
cion  del  Gobierno,  los  arbitrios 
que  juzguen  necesarios  para  aten- 
der  al  objeto  de  su  institucion. 

Art.  98.  El  Gobierno,  cuando 
lo  cre3Tere  conveniente,  6  k  solici- 
tud  de  las  Municipalidades,  puede 
reformat*  las  Ordenanzas  de  cada 
pueblo  y  darlas  a  los  que  no  las 
tuvieren. 


functionary  to  be  vested  with  the 

f)Owers  which  the  law  shall  estab- 
ish. 

Art.  96.  The  law  shall  organize 
the  municipalities  without  chang- 
ing the  principle  of  popular  direct 
election  and  shall  describe  the 
powers  belonging  to  each  one. 

Art.  97.  The  municipal  corpora- 
tions may  levy,  with  trie  approval 
of  the  Government,  those  local 
taxes  which  may  be  required  to 
meet  the  needs  of  the  district. 

Art.  98.  The  Government  may, 
when  so  deemed  advisable,  or  at 
the  request  of  the  municipal  cor- 
porations themselves,  reform  the 
municipal  ordinances  of  each  town, 
or  make  said  ordinances  for  the 
towns  which  have  none. 


TITULO  VII. 

DE  LA  REFORMA  DE 
TUCION. 


LA   CONSTI- 


Art.  99.  La  Asamblea,  con  las 
dos  terceras  partes  de  sus  votos, 
podra  acordar  la  reforma  de  la 
Constitucion,  senalando  al  efecto 
el  articulo  6  articulos  que  hayan 
de  alterarse. 

Art.  100.  Decretada  la  reforma, 
el  Poder  Ejecutivo  convocara  una 
Asamblea  Constituyente,  que  debe 
estar  instalada  dentro  de  los  tres 
meses  siguientes.  En  la  convoca- 
toria  se  insertara  la  resolucion  de 
que  habla  el  articulo  que  precede. 

Art.  101.  La  Asamblea  se  com- 
pondra  de  un  representante  por 
cada  quince  mil  habitantes,  de- 
biendo  reunir  las  calidades  reque- 
ridas  para  ser  Diputado. 

Art.  102.  La  Asamblea  ordina- 
ria,  desde  que  declare  que  debe  re- 
formarse  la  Constitucion,  cerrara 
sus  sesiones  declarandose  disuelta. 

Art.  103.  Veriticada  la  reforma 
se  convocara  a  elecciones  de  Dipu- 
tados  para  la  Legislatura  ordinaria. 


TITLE  VII. 

AMENDMENTS    TO    THE 
TUTION. 


CONSTI- 


Art.  99.  The  Assembly,  by  a 
two-thirds  vote,  shall  have  the 
power  to  order  the  Constitution 
to  be  amended,  indicating  the 
article  or  articles  which  have  to 
be  changed. 

Art.  100.  The  resolution  to 
amend  having  passed,  the  Execu- 
tive power  shall  call  a  convention 
to  meet  for  that  purpose  within 
three  months  following  the  date 
of  the  call.  The  text  of  the  reso- 
lution passed  by  the  Assembly 
shall  be  inserted  in  the  call. 

Art.  101.  The  convention  shall 
consist  of  a  delegate  for  each 
fifteen  thousand  inhabitants,  and 
these  delegates  shall  have  the  same 
qualifications  as  are  required  to  be 
elected  Deputy. 

ArT.  102.  The  ordinary  Assem- 
bly, as  soon  as  the  resolution  to 
reform  the  Constitution  is  passed, 
shall  adjourn  sine  die. 

Art.  103.  The  amendment  hav- 
ing been  made  a  call  shall  be  issued 
for  the  election  of  Deputies  for  the 
ordinary  legislature. 


CONSTITUTION. 


257 


Art.  104.  Esta  Constitution  no 
perdera  su  fuerza  y  vigor,  aun 
cuando  por  alguna  rebelion  se  in- 
terrumpa  su  observancia. 

Art.  105.  Quedan  sin  ningun 
valor  ni  efecto  las  reformas  a  la 
Constitucion,  decretadas  el  veinti- 
tres  de  Octubre  de  mil  ochocientos 
ochenta  y  cinco. 

DISPOSICIONES  TRANSITORIAS. 

(Noviembre  5  de  1887. ) 

ArtIculo  1°.  Las  presentes  re- 
formas a  la  Ley  Constitutiva  co- 
menzaran  a  regir  desde  la  f  echa  de 
su  promulgation,  fecha  en  que,  a 
la  vez,  terminara  la  suspension 
del  regimen  constitucional. 

Art.  2°.  Se  faculta  al  Ejecutivo 
para  ejercer  las  atribuciones  a  que 
se  contrae  el  articulo  8°  de  esta 
ley  (con  exception  de  las  com- 
prendidas  en  los  incisos  4°,  9°  y 
13°),  hasta  el  dia  en  que  se  instale 
la  Asamblea  Legislativa,  a  quien 
dara  cuenta  de  los  actos  que  en 
uso  de  tales  atribuciones  hubiere 
practicado. 

Art.  3°.  Lo  dispuesto  en  el 
articulo  5  de  la  Constitucion,  no 
obsta  para  que  se  concluyan  los 
tratados  que  hoy  esten  pendientes 
y  que  se  hubiesen  ajustado  bajo 
el  imperio  de  las  reformas  hechas 
en  Octubre  de  mil  ochocientos 
ochenta  y  cinco. 

Art.  4°.  La  suspension  del  regi- 
men constitucional  decretada  el 
veintiseis  de  Junio  del  corriente 
ano,  no  ha  interrumpido  el  periodo 
presidential  del  Senor  General 
Don  Manuel  Lisandro  Barri- 
llas,  debiendo  en  consecuencia, 
terminar  dicho  periodo  presiden- 
tial, de  conformidad  con  lo  dis- 
puesto en  estas  reformas,  el  quince 
de  Marzo  de  mil  ochocientos 
noventa  y  dos. 

Art.  5°.  Queda  facultado  el 
Ejecutivo    para    convocar    a    los 

360a— vol  1—06 17 


Art.  104.  The  present  Consti- 
tution shall  not  lose  its  efficiency, 
and  shall  continue  to  be  in  force 
even  if  its  execution  is  interrupted 
by  rebellion. 

Art.  105.  The  amendments 
made  to  the  Constitution  on  the 
twenty -third  of  October,  eighteen 
hundred  and  eighty-five,  are 
hereby  repealed. 

TRANSIENT  PROVISIONS. 

(Novembers,  1837.) 

Article  1.  The  amendments 
herein  made  to  the  Constitution 
of  the  Republic  shall  begin  to  be 
in  force  from  the  date  of  their 
promulgation,  when  the  suspen- 
sion of  the  constitutional  regime 
shall  also  cease. 

Art.  2.  The  power  is  hereby 
granted  the  Executive  to  exercise 
the  faculties  set  forth  in  article  8 
of  the  present  law,  except  those 
mentioned  in  sections  4,  9,  and  13 
of  the  said  article.  This  conces- 
sion shall  last  until  the  day  on 
which  the  Legislative  Assembly 
meets,  when  the  Executive  shall 
give  an  account  of  the  powers 
granted  to  it. 

Art.  3.  The  provisions  of  arti- 
cle 5  of  the  Constitution  shall  not 
prevent  the  treaties  which  may 
now  be  pending,  negotiated  under 
the  regime  of  October,  eighteen 
hundred  and  eighty-five,  from 
being  concluded. 

Art.  4.  The  suspension  of  the 
constitutional  regime  decreed  on 
the  26th  of  June  of  the  present 
year  shall  not  interrupt  the  presi- 
dential term  of  General  Don 
Manuel  Lisandro  Barrillas, 
who  in  compliance  with  the  pro- 
visions of  these  amendments,  shall, 
therefore,  complete  his  term  of 
office  on  the  fifteenth  of  March, 
eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-two. 

Art.  5.  The  Executive  power  is 
hereby  given  authority  to  call  for 


258 


REPUBLIC    OF    GUATEMALA. 


pueblos  a  elecciones  de  Diputados 
a  la  Asamblea  Legislativa,  y  de 
Presidente,  Magistrados  y  Fiscales 
de  los  Tribunales  de  Justicia  para 
el  periodo  constitucional  que 
comenzara  el  quince  de  Marzo  de 
mil  ochocientos  ochenta  y  ocho, 
pudiendo  emitir  las  leyes  electo- 
rales  que  corresponden. 

Art.  6°.  La  Asamblea  Consti- 
tu}Tente,  antes  de  clausurar  sus 
sesiones,  nombrara  las  dos  per- 
sonas  que  deben  desempenar  el 
cargo  de  Designado,  hasta  que  la 
proxima  Legislatura  elija  las  que 
corresponden,  en  uso  de  la  atribu- 
cion  conferida  en  el  inciso  4°  del 
articulo  7°  del  presente  Decreto. 


a  popular  election  of  Deputies  to 
the  Legislative  Assemmy,  and  of 
chief  justice,  associate  justices  and 
prosecuting  attorneys  of  the  courts 
of  justice,  for  the  constitutional 
period  beginning  on  the  fifteenth 
of  March,  eighteen  hundred  and 
eighty -eight.  The  Executive  shall 
issue  for  this  purpose  the  proper 
electoral  laws. 

Art.  6.  The  constitutional  con- 
vention before  closing  its  sessions 
shall  appoint  two  persons,  who 
shall  exercise  the  functions  of 
designados  until  the  Assembly,  in 
its  next  session,  in  use  of  the  power 
vested  in  it  by  section  4  of  article 
7  of  the  present  decree,  elects 
those  who  shall  fill  the  position 


AMENDMENT  TO  CONSTITUTION. 


Nosotros,  los  Representantes  del 
pueblo  de  Guatemala,  convocados 
legitimamente  para  examinar  el 
articulo  66  de  la  Ley  Constitutiva 
de  la  Republica,  reunidos  en  sufi- 
ciente  numero,  decretamos: 

Articulo  unico.  El   articulo   66 

3ueda  reformado  asi:  El  periodo 
e  la  Presidencia  sera,  de  seis  anos. 

Pase  al  Poder  Ejecutivo  para  su 
publication  y  cumplimiento. 

Dado  en  el  Salon  de  Sesiones: 
en  Guatemala,  a,  los  doce  dias  del 
mes  de  Julio  de  mil  novecientos 
tres,  vigesimo  cuarto  de  la  Cons- 
titution. 


We,  the  representatives  of  the 
people  of  Guatemala,  lawfully 
called  to  convene  for  the  purpose 
of  examining  article  66  of  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  Republic,  assem- 
bled in  sufficient  number,  do  here- 
by decree: 

Sole  article:  Article  66  of  the 
Constitution  is  amended  so  as  to 
read  as  follows:  The  presidential 
term  shall  be  six  years. 

Let  it  be  communicated  to  the 
Executive  for  publication  and  en- 
forcement. 

Given  at  the  Hall  of  Sessions  at 
Guatemala  this  twelfth  day  of 
July,  nineteen  hundred  and  three, 
the  twenty-fourth  year  of  the  Con- 
stitution. 


REPUBLIC  OF  SALVADOR. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES. 

The  Republic  of  Salvador,  says  Seiior  Arosemena,  in  his  "Estudios 
constitucionales  sobre  los  gobiernos  de  la  America  latina  "  repeatedly 
cited  in  this  work,  was  the  Central  American  State  which,  after  its 
independence,  showed  the  strongest  opposition  to  be  annexed  to  Mexico. 

Iturbide  had  large  ideas  of  imperial  sway  and  was  bent  on  the 
acquisition  of  the  whole  of  Central  America,  but  Salvador  entered  an 
emphatic  protest  against  this  movement  (1822),  and  resolved  to  remain 
independent  until  the  representatives  of  the  whole  people  of  Central 
America  should  decide  the  question  of  nationality.  Senor  Arosemena 
says  that  the  feeling  of  the  Salvadorean  people  against  their  being 
forced  into  a  union  with  Mexico  went  so  far  as  to  cause  them  to  pre- 
fer the  annexation  of  their  country  to  the  United  States  of  America. 
An  ordinance  to  that  effect  was  passed  in  December  of  the  said  }-ear 
1822.  It  happened,  nevertheless,  that  before  the  Washington  Gov- 
ernment became  ready  to  consider  the  subject,  or  take  any  action  on 
it,  the  Mexican  Empire  fell  to  the  ground,  and  the  Central  American 
Confederation,  which  had  been  fervently  advocated  by  the  Salvadorean 
people,  was  at  last  organized. 

Salvador  promulgated  its  first  Constitution  on  June  24,  1824,  and 
with  it  and  under  its  provisions  it  entered  into  the  Central  American 
Union,  as  a  state,  on  November  22  of  the  same  year. 

After  the  dissolution  of  the  Federal  compact  Salvador  has  had  six 
different  constitutions  as  follows:  (1)  That  of  February  18,  1841;  (2) 
that  of  June  24, 1859;  (3)  that  of  October  16, 1871;  (4)  that  of  Novem- 
ber 9,  1872;  (5)  that  of  December  6,  1883;  and  (6)  that  of  August  13, 
1886. 

259 


CONSTITUTION. 

(August  13,  1886.) 


TITULO  I. 

DE  LA.  NACION  Y  FORMA   DE 
GOBIERNO. 

ArtIculo  1.  La  Nacion  salva- 
dorena  es  soberana  e  independiente, 
y  no  podra  ser  jamas  el  patrimo- 
nio  de  ninguna  familia  ni  persona. 

La  soberania  es  inalienable  e 
imprescriptible  y  limitada  a  lo 
honesto,  ]usto  y  conveniente  a  la 
sociedad;  reside  esencialmente  en 
la  universalidad  de  los  salvadore- 
nos  y  ninguna  fraccion  de  pueblos 
6  de  individuos  puede  atribuir- 
sela. 

Art.  2.  Todo  poder  publico 
emana  del  pueblo.  Los  f  unciona- 
rios  del  Estado  son  sus  delegados, 
y  no  tienen  mas  f  acultades  que  las 
que  expresamente  les  da  la  ley. 
Por  ella  legislan,  administran  y 
juzgan;  por  ella  se  les  debe  obe- 
diencia  y  respeto;  y  conforme 
a  ella  deben  dar  cuenta  de  sus  fun- 
ciones. 


Art.  3.  El  territorio  del  Salva- 
dor tiene  por  limites:  al  este,  el 
Golfo  de  Fonseca;  al  norte,  las  Re- 
publicas  de  Guatemala  y  Hondu- 
ras; al  oeste,  el  Rio  de  Paz,  y  al 
sur,  el  Oceano  Pacifico.  La  de- 
marcacion  especial  sera  objeto  de 
una  ley. 

Art.  4.  El  Gobierno  de  la  Na- 
cion salvadorena  es  republicano, 
democratico,  representative  y  al- 

260 


TITLE  I. 

THE  NATION  AND  THE   FORM  OF 
ITS  GOVERNMENT. 

Article  1.  The  Salvadorean 
Nation  is  sovereign  and  independ- 
ent and  shall  never  be  the  patri- 
mon}7  of  any  family  or  person. 

The  sovereignty  is  inalienable, 
imprescriptible  and  limited  to  what 
is  honest,  just,  and  useful  to  so- 
ciety. It  is  vested  in  the  whole 
body  of  the  Salvadorean  people, 
and  no  section  of  the  country  or 
group  of  individuals  can  attribute 
it  to  themselves. 

Art.  2.  All  public  power  ema- 
nates from  the  people.  The  func- 
tionaries of  the  state  are  delegates 
of  the  people,  and  have  no  other 
powers  than  those  expressty  given 
to  them  by  law.  It  is  by  law  that 
they  legislate,  exercise  executive 
functions,  and  act  judicially;  it  is 
through  it  that  obedience  and  re- 
spect is  due  to  them;  and  it  is  in 
accordance  with  its  principles  that 
they  must  give  an  account  of  their 
actions. 

Art.  3.  The  territory  of  El  Sal- 
vador has  for  its  limits  the  follow- 
ing: On  the  east,  the  Gulf  of  Fon- 
seca; on  the  north,  the  Republics 
of  Guatemala  and  Honduras;  on 
the  west,  the  River  Paz;  and  on 
the  south,  the  Pacific  Ocean.  The 
special  demarcation  of  the  bound- 
ary lines  shall  be  made  by  law. 

Art.  4.  The  Government  of  the 
Salvadorean  Nation  is  republican, 
democratic,  representative,  and  al- 


CONSTITUTION. 


261 


ternativo.  Se  compondra  de  tres 
Poderes  distintos  e  independientes 
entre  si,  que  se  denominaran:  Le- 
gislative, Ejecutivo  y  Judicial. 

TITTJLO  II. 
DERECHOS  Y  GARANTIAS. 

Art.  5.  En  la  Republica  no  se 
reconocen  empleos  ni  privilegios 
hereditarios. 

Toda  propiedad  es  trasmisible  en 
la  forma  que  determinan  las  leyes, 
quedando  en  consecuencia  prohi- 
bida  toda  especie  de  vinculacion. 

Art.  6.  No  pueden  imponerse 
contribuciones  sino  en  virtud  de 
una  ley,  y  para  el  servicio  publico. 

Art.  7.  Todo  el  que  ejerce  cual- 
quier  cargo  publico  es  directa  e" 
inmediatamente  responsable  de  los 
actos,  que  practique  en  el  ejercicio 
de  sus  f  unciones.  La  ley  determi- 
nant, el  modo  de  hacer  ef ectiva  esta 
responsabilidad. 

Art.  8.  El  Salvador  reconoce 
derechos  y  deberes  anteriores  y 
superiores  a  las  leyes  positivas, 
teniendo  por  principios  la  libertad, 
la  igualdad  y  la  f  raternidad,  y  por 
base  la  familia,  el  trabajo,  la  pro- 
piedad y  el  orden  publico. 

Art.  9.  Todos  los  habitantes  del 
Salvador  tienen  derecho  incontes- 
table a  conservar  y  defender  su 
vida,  su  libertad  y  propiedad,  3^  a 
disponer  libremente  de  sus  bienes 
de  conformidad  con  la  ley. 

Art.  10.  Todo  hombre  es  libre 
en  la  Republica.  No  sera  esclavo 
el  que  entre  en  su  territorio,  ni 
ciudadano  el  que  tralique  en  escla- 
vos. 

Art.  11.  La  Republica  es  un 
asilo  sagrado  para  el  extranjero 
que  quiera  residir  en  su  territorio, 
menos  para  los  reos  de  delitos 
comunes  que  reclame  otra  nacion, 
en  virtud  de  tratados  vigentes,  en 
los  que  se  hubiese  estipulado  la 
extradicion. 


ternative.  It  consists  of  three 
Powers  distinct  and  independent 
from  each  other,  which  shall  be 
known  as  legislative,  executive, 
and  judicial. 

TITLE  II. 
RIGHTS  AND  GUARANTIES. 

Art.  5.  No  hereditary  offices  or 
privileges  are  recognized  in  the 
Republic. 

All  property  is  transferable  in 
the  manner  and  form  prescribed  by 
the  laws,  and  therefore  perpetual 
entailments  of  all  kinds  are  pro- 
hibited. 

Art.  6.  No  taxes  shall  be  levied 
unless  by  virtue  of  a  law  and  for 
the  public  service. 

Art.  7.  All  persons  holding  a 
public  office  are  directly  and 
immediately  responsible  for  the 
acts  done  by  them  in  the  exercise 
of  their  functions.  The  law  shall 
fix  the  manner  and  form  of  enforc- 
ing this  responsibility. 

Art.  8.  Salvador  recognizes  that 
there  are  rights  and  duties  anterior 
and  superior  to  the  positive  laws, 
derived  from  the  principles  of 
liberty,  equality,  and  fraternity, 
and  resting  upon  the  basis  of  re- 
spect to  family,  labor,  property, 
and  public  order. 

Art.  9.  All  the  inhabitants  of 
Salvador  have  an  indisputable 
right  to  preserve  and  defend  their 
life,  liberty,  and  property,  and  to 
dispose  freely  of  the  latter,  in  con- 
formity with  the  law. 

Art.  10.  Every  man  in  the  Re- 
public is  free.  No  one  who  enters 
its  territory  shall  be  a  slave,  nor 
shall  anyone  who  deals  in  slaves 
be  a  Salvadorean  citizen. 

Art.  11.  The  Republic  is  a  sa- 
cred asylum  for  all  foreigners 
residing  in  its  territory,  except 
when  they  are  guilty  of  common 
offenses  and  are  claimed  by  some 
other  nation,  under  the  provisions 
of  an  extradition  treaty.  Extra- 
dition of    Salvadoreans,  for  any 


262 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


La  extradicion  no  podra  estipu- 
larse  respecto  de  los  nacionales  en 
ningun  caso,  ni  respecto  de  extran- 
jeros  por  delitos  politicos,  aunque 
por  consecuencia  de  e"stos  resultase 
un  delito  comiin. 

Art.  12.  Se  garantiza  el  libre 
ejercicio  de  todas  las  religiones, 
sin  mas  limite  que  el  trazado  por 
la  moral  }r  el  orden  publico.  Nin- 
gun acto  religioso  servira  para 
establecer  el  estado  civil  de  las 
personas.  , 

Art.  13.  Toda  persona  tiene 
derecho  de  permanecer  en  el  lugar 
que  le  convenga;  y  de  transitar, 
emigrar  y  volver  sin  pasaporte; 
salvo  el  caso  de  sentencia  ejecuto- 
riada  y  sin  perjuiciode  lo  dispuesto 
en  el  urticulo  28  de  esta  Constitu- 
cion. 

Art.  14.  Igualmentepuedenlos 
habitantes  del  Salvador  asociarse 
y  reunirse  pacificamente  y  sin 
armas  con  cualquier  objeto  licito. 

Art.  15.  Nadie  puede  ser  obli- 
gado  a  prestar  trabajos  6  servicios 
personales  sin  justa  retribucion  y 
sin  su  pleno  consentimiento,  salvo 
que  por  motivos  de  necesidad  6 
utiliclad  publicas  se  establezcan  por 
la  ley.  La  ley  no  puede  autorizar 
ningun  acto  o  contrato  que  tenga 
por  objeto  la  perdida  6  el  irrevo- 
cable sacriticio  de  la  libertad  del 
hombre,  ya  sea  por  causa  de  tra- 
bajo,  de  educacion  6  de  voto  reli- 
gioso. Tampoco  puede  autorizar 
convenios  en  que  el  hombre  pacte 
su  proscripcion  6  destierro. 

Art.  16.  Toda  persona  tiene 
derecho  de  dirigir  sus  peticiones  a 
las  autoridades  legalmente  estable- 
cidas,  ton  tal  que  se  hagan  de  una 
manera  decorosa;  y  a  que  se  re- 
suelvan  y  se  le  haga  saber  el  acuer- 
do  que  sobre  ellas  se  dictare. 

Art.  17.  Ninguna  persona  que 
tenga  la  libre  administration  de 
sus  bienes,  puede  ser  privada  del 
derecho  de  terminal'  sus  asuntos 


offense  whatever,  shall  never  be 
stipulated.  Nor  shall  foreigners 
be  extradited  for  political  offenses, 
even  if  a  common  crime  has  result- 
ed therefrom. 

Art.  12.  The  free  exercise  of 
all  religions,  without  any  other 
restriction  than  that  required  by 
morals  or  public  order,  is  guaran- 
teed. No  religious  act  shall  serve 
as  evidence  of  the  civil  status  of  a 
person. 

Art.  13.  Every  person  has  the 
right  to  remain  in  the  place  he 
may  prefer,  to  travel  freely,  to 
emigrate  from  the  country,  and  to 
return  to  it  without  a  passport; 
save  in  case  of  a  final  judicial  sen- 
tence, and  without  prejudice  to 
the  provisions  of  article  28  of  this 
Constitution. 

Art.  14.  The  inhabitants  of 
Salvador  have  the  right  to  assem- 
ble peacef  ully,  and  without  arms, 
for  any  lawful  purpose. 

Art.  15.  No  person  shall  be  com- 
pelled to  do  work,  or  render  per- 
sonal service,  without  just  compen- 
sation and  without  his  full  consent, 
except  if  so  determined  by  law  in 
cases  of  public  necessity  or  utility. 
The  law  shall  not  authorize  an}7  act 
or  contract  having  for  its  object  the 
loss  or  the  irrevocable  sacritice  of 
human  liberty,  whether  on  account 
of  labor,  education,  or  religious 
vows;  nor  shall  it  authorize  agree- 
ments by  which  a  man  covenants 
his  own  proscription  or  exile. 

Art.  16.  Every  person  has  the 
right  to  address  petitions  to  the 
lawfully  constituted  authorities, 
provided  that  they  are  made  in  a 
decorous  manner;  also  to  have 
said  petitions  acted  upon  and  be 
informed  of  the  results  thereof. 

Art.  17.  No  person  who  has  the 
free  disposition  or  management  of 
his  property  shall  be  deprived  of 
the  rignt  to  terminate   his  civil 


CONSTITUTION. 


263 


civiles  por  transaccion  6  arbitra- 
ment*). En  cuanto  a  las  que  no 
tengan  esa  libre  administration,  la 
ley  determinant  los  casos  y  requisi- 
tes con  que  pueden  hacerlo. 


Art.  18.  Se  prohibe  la  confisca- 
tion, ja  como  pena 6  en  cualquier 
otro  concepto.  Las  autoridades 
que  contravengan  a  esta  disposi- 
tion, responderan  en  todo  tiempo 
con  sus  personas  y  bienes  del  dano 
inferido;  y  las  cosas  confiscadas 
son  imprescriptibles. 

Art.  19.  La  pena  de  muerte  no 
podra  aplicarse,  si  no  por  delitos 
muy  graves,  puramente  militares 
y  cometidos  en  campana,  y  que 
determinant  el  Codigo  Militar;  y 
por  los  delitos  de  parricidio,  asesi- 
nato,  robo  6  incendio  si  se  siguiere 
muerte. 

Se  prohiben  las  penas  perpetuas, 
la  aplicacion  de  palos  y  toda  espe- 
cie  de  tormentos. 

Art.  20.  Ninguna  persona 
puede  ser  privada  de  su  vida,  de 
su  libertad,  ni  de  su  propiedad, 
sin  ser  previamente  oida  y  vencida 
en  juicio  con  arreglo  a  las  leyes, 
ni  puede  ser  enjuiciada  civil  6 
criminalmente  dos  veces  por  la 
misma  causa. 

Art.  21.  Solo  podra  practicarse 
el  registro  6  la  pesquisa  de  la 
persona  para  prevenir  6  averiguar 
delitos  6  faltas. 

El  domicilio  es  inviolable;  y  no 
podra  decretarse  el  allanamiento, 
sino  para  la  averiguacion  de  los 
delitos  6  persecution  de  los  delin- 
cuentes,  en  la  forma  y  en  los  casos 
determinados  por  la  ley. 


Art.  22.  Nigun  individuo  sera 
juzgado  en  otra  jurisdiction  que 
en  aquella  donde  se  hubiere  come- 
tido  el  delito,  salvo  los  casos  deter- 
minados por  la  ley,  6  aquellos  en 


contentions  by  compromise  or  ar- 
bitration. As  to  the  persons  who 
have  not  the  free  disposition  and 
management  of  their  property,  the 
law  shall  fix  the  cases  and  requi- 
sites in  which  compromises  or  ar- 
bitration may  be  resorted  to. 

Art.  18.  Confiscation  of  prop- 
erty, whether  as  a  penalty,  or  in 
any  other  wa}%  is  forbidden.  The 
authorities  who  violate  this  pro- 
vision shall  answer  at  all  times 
with  their  persons  and  property 
for  the  damages  done.  The  title 
to  confiscated  property  shall  not  be 
acquired  by  prescription. 

Art.  19.  The  penalty  of  death 
shall  not  be  imposed,  except  for 
ver\T  grave  crimes,  of  purely  mili- 
tary character,  committed  on  the 
field,  and  designated  by  the  mili- 
tary code;  and  also  for  the  crimes 
of  parricide,  murder,  arson,  or 
robbery,  if  death  supervenes. 

Perpetual  penalties,  flogging, 
and  all  kinds  of  torture  are  for- 
bidden. 

Art.  20.  No  person  shall  be  de- 
prived of  his  life,  liberty,  or  prop- 
erty, except  upon  trial  according  to 
law ;  nor  shall  anyone  be  prosecuted 
civilly  or  criminally,  twice  for  the 
same  cause. 


Art.  21.  The  searching  of  the 
person  shall  only  be  made  to  pre- 
ventan  offense  from  being  commit- 
ted, or  to  investigate  crimes  or 
offenses. 

The  domicile  is  inviolable,  and 
the  invasion  thereof  shall  not  be 
decreed  except  for  the  purpose  of 
investigating  criminal  offenses,  or 
of  arresting  fugitive  offenders,  but 
this  shall  be  done  in  the  manner 
and  form  and  in  the  cases  provided 
by  law. 

Art.  22.  No  person  shall  be  tried 
in  a  jurisdiction  different  from 
that  in  which  the  offense  was  com- 
mitted, except  in  the  particular 
cases  provided  by  law,  or  by  order 


264 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


que  la  misma  ley  faeulte  a  la  Corte 
ae  Justicia  para  designar  otra 
jurisdiccion. 

Art.  23.  Todos  los  hombres  son 
iguales  ante  la  ley. 

Art.  24.  Las  leyes  no  pueden 
tener  efecto  retroactivo,  excepto 
en  materia  penal,  cuando  la  nueva 
ley  sea  favorable  al  delincuente. 

Art.  25.  Nadie  puede  ser  juz- 
gado  sino  por  leyes  dadas  con  ante- 
rioridad  at  heeho  y  por  el  Tribunal 
que  previamente  hay  a  establecido 
la  ley. 

Art.  26.  Un  mismo  Juez  no 
puede  serlo  en  diversas  instancias 
en  una  misma  causa. 

Art.  27.  Ningun  poder  niauto- 
ridad  puede  avocarse  causas  pen- 
dientes,  ni  abrir  juicios  fenecidos. 

Art.  28.  Ni  el  Poder  Ejecutivo, 
ni  el  Judicial,  ni  ninguna  otra 
autoridad,  puede  dictar  ordenes  de 
detencion  6  prision,  si  no  es  de 
conformidad  con  la  ley.  Esta  or- 
den  debe  ser  siempre  escrita,  salvo 
en  materia  criminal,  cuando  el  de- 
lincuente sea  tornado  in  fraganti, 
en  cuyo  caso  puede  ser  detenido 
por  cualquiera  persona,  para  en- 
tregarlo  inmediatamente  a  la  au- 
toridad respectiva.  La  detencion 
para  inquinr  no  pasara  de  cuarenta 
y  ocho  horas,  y  el  Juez  de  instruc- 
cion  esta  obligado  dentro  de  dicho 
t^rmino,  a  decretar  la  libertad  6 
el  arresto  provisional  del  indiciado. 

Art.  29.  Todo  hombre  puede 
libremente  expresar,  escribir,  im- 
primir  y  publicar  sus  pensamientos 
sin  previo  examen,  censura  ni  cau- 
cion;  pero  debera  responder  ante 
el  Jurado  por  el  delito  que  cometa. 


Art.  30.  La  correspondencia 
epistolar  y  telegrafica  es  inviolable 
La  correspondencia  interceptada 
no  hace  fe  ni  podra  figurar  en  nin- 
guna especie  de  actuacion. 


of  the  court  when  authorized  by 
law  to  do  so. 

Art.  23.  All  men  are  equal  be- 
fore the  law. 

Art.  24.  The  laws  shall  not 
have  retroactive  effect,  except  in 
penal  matters,  when  the  new  law 
proves  to  be  favorable  to  the 
offender. 

Art.  25.  No  person  shall  be 
tried  under  laws  which  were  not 
promulgated  prior  to  the  com- 
mission of  the  offense,  or  b}T  a 
court  which  the  law  had  not  previ- 
ously established. 

Art.  26.  The  same  judge  shall 
not  take  cognizance  of  the  same 
case  in  its  different  instances. 

Art.  27.  No  power  or  authority 
shall  ever  assume  jurisdiction  over 
causes  pending  before  the  courts, 
or  reopen  terminated  cases. 

Art.  28.  Neither  the  Executive 
power,  nor  the  judicial,  or  any 
other  authority  shall  issue  or- 
ders of  detention  or  imprison- 
ment unless  in  conformity  with 
the  law.  Such  orders  shall  always 
be  in  writing,  except  in  criminal 
matters,  when  the  offender  is 
caught  in  the  act,  in  which  case  the 
latter  can  be  detained  by  any  person 
to  be  immediately  delivered  to  the 
respective  authorities.  The  deten- 
tion for  the  purpose  of  investiga- 
tion shall  not  last  longer  than  forty- 
eight  hours,  and  the  investigating 
judge  is  bound  to  order,  within  said 
period,  either  the  release  of  the 
prisoner,  or  his  provisional  arrest. 

Art.  29.  Every  man  has  the 
right  to  freely  express,  write, 
print,  and  publish  his  thoughts 
without  previous  examination, 
censorship,  or  bonds;  but  he  shall 
be  responsible  before  a  juiy  for 
any  offense  he  may  commit  in  that 
way. 

Art.  30.  Correspondence  by 
letter  and  telegraph  is  inviolable. 
Intercepted  correspondence  shall 
never  be  admitted  as  evidence  in 
any  case  whatever. 


CONSTITUTION. 


265 


Art.  31.  La  propiedad  de  cual- 
quier  naturaleza  que  sea  es  invio- 
lable. Ninguna  persona  puede  ser 
privada  de  sus  bienes,  sino  por 
causa  de  utilidad  publica  legalmente 
comprobada  y  previa  una  justa  in- 
demnizacion.  En  caso  de  expro- 
piacion  motivada  por  las  necesi- 
dadesde  laguerra,  la  indemnizacion 
puede  no  ser  previa. 

Art.  32.  Ninguna  corporacion 
permanente  civil  6  eclesiastica, 
cualquiera  que  sea  su  caracter,  de- 
nominacion  u  objeto,  tendra  capa- 
cidad  legal  para  conservTar  en  pro- 
piedad 6  administrar  por  si  bienes 
raices,  con  la  imica  excepcion  de 
los  destinados  inmediata  y  directa- 
mente  al  servicio  u  objeto  de  la 
institucion. 

Art.  33.  La  ensenanza  es  libre; 
la  primaria  es  ademas  obligatoria. 
La  ensenanza  que  se  de  en  los  esta- 
blecimientos  costeados  por  el  Es- 
tado  sera  laica  y  gratuita,  y  estara 
s u j eta  a  losreglamentos  respecti vos. 

Art.  34.  Todaindustriaes  libre, 
y  solo  podran  estancarse  en  pro- 
vecho  de  la  Nacion,  y  para  ad- 
ministrarse  por  el  Ejecutivo,  el 
aguardiente,  el  salitre  y  la 
polvora. 

No  habra  monopolio  de  ninguna 
clase,  ni  prohibiciones  a  titulo  de 
proteccion  a  la  industria.  Excep- 
tuanse  unicamente  los  relativos  a 
la  acunacion  de  moneda  y  a  los 
privilegios  que,  por  tiempo  limi- 
tado,  conceda  la  ley  a  los  invento- 
res  6  perfeccionadores  de  alguna 
industria. 

Art.  35.  Se  garantiza  el  derecho 
de  asociacion,  y  solo  se  prohibe  el 
establecimiento  de  congregaciones 
conventuales  y  toda  especie  de 
instituciones  monasticas. 

Art.  36.  El  derecho  de  insu- 
rreccion  no  producira  en  ningiin 
caso  la  abrogacion  de  las  leyes, 
quedando  limitado  en  sus  efectos, 
a  separar  en  cuanto  sea  necesario, 
a  las  personas  que  desempenen  el 


Art.  31.  Property  of  any  kind 
whatever  is  inviolable.  No  person 
shall  be  deprived  of  his  property 
except  for  public  utility,  when 
fully  proven,  and  upon  previous 
indemnification.  When  condem- 
nation of  property  is  required  by 
the  necessities  of  war  the  indem- 
nification need  not  be  previous. 

Art.  32.  No  permanent  corpora- 
tion, whether  civil  or  ecclesiastical, 
whatever  its  character,  denomina- 
tion, or  purpose  may  be,  shall 
have  legal  capacity  to  hold  real 
estate  or  manage  it  in  its  own 
name,  except  only  when  the  prop- 
erty is  used  immediately  and 
directly  in  the  service  and  for  the 
purposes  of  the  institution. 

Art.  33.  Teaching  is  free.  Pri- 
mary instruction  is  compulsory. 
The  instruction  given  in  establish- 
ments supported  by  the  Govern- 
ment shall  be  laical  and  gratui- 
tous, and  subject  to  proper  regu- 
lations. 

Art.  34.  All  industries  are  free, 
but  the  Government  shall  have  the 
power  of  monopolizing,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Nation,  and  placing 
under  the  management  of  the  Ex- 
ecutive, the  brandy,  saltpeter,  and 
gunpowder  business. 

There  shall  be  no  other  monopoly 
of  any  kind,  or  any  restriction 
of  industrial  liberty,  even  if  in- 
tended for  protection  purposes, 
except  as  to  the  coining  of  money 
and  the  granting  of  privileges  for 
a  limited  time,  according  to  law, 
to  inventors  or  authors  of  improve- 
ments of  any  industry. 

Art.  35.  The  right  of  associa- 
tion is  guaranteed,  but  the  estab- 
lishment of  convents  or  monas- 
teries and  all  kinds  of  monastic 
institutions  is  forbidden. 

Art.  36.  The  right  of  insurrec- 
tion shall  produce  in  no  case  the 
abrogation  of  the  laws,  and  its 
effects  shall  be  limited  to  remov- 
ing, as  may  prove  necessary,  the 
Government  officials  who  exercise 


266 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


Gobierno,  }T  nombrar  interina- 
mente  las  que  deban  subrogarlas, 
entre  tanto  se  Uena  su  falta  en  la 
forma  establecida  por  la  Consti- 
tucion. 

Art.  37.  Toda  persona  tiene 
derecho  de  pedir  y  obtener  el  arn- 
paro  de  la  Suprema  Corte  de  Jus- 
ticia  6  Camara  de  Segunda  Instan- 
cia,  cuando  cualquiera  autoridad  6 
individuo  restrinja  la  libertad  per- 
sonal 6  el  ejercicio  de  cualquiera 
de  los  otros  derechos  individuates 
que  garantiza  la  presente  Consti- 
tution. Una  le}T  especial  regla- 
mentara  la  manera  de  hacer  efec- 
tivo  este  derecho. 

Art.  38.  Ninguno  de  los  Pode- 
res  constituidos  podra  celebrar  6 
aprobar  tratados  6  convenciones 
en  que  de  alguna  manera  se  altere 
la  forma  de  Gobierno  establecida 
6  se  menoscabe  la  integridad  del 
territorio  6  la  soberania  nacional; 
lo  cual  se  entiende  sin  perjucio  de 
!o  dispuesto  en  el  articulo  151  de 
esta  Constitucion. 

Art.  39.  Ni  el  Poder  Legisla- 
tive, ni  el  Poder  Ejecutivo,  ni 
ningun  tribunal,  autoridad  6  per- 
sona podra  restringir,  alterar  6 
violar  las  garantias  constituciona- 
les,  sinquedar  sujeto  a  las  respon- 
sabilidades  establecidas  por  la  ley. 
La  ley  de  estado  de  sitio  determi- 
nant, las  que  pueden  suspenderse  y 
los  casos  en  que  esta  suspension 
deba  tener  lugar. 

Art.  40.  Los  derechos  y  ga- 
rantias que  enumera  esta  Consti- 
tucion, no  seran  entendidos  como 
negacion  de  otros  derechos  y  ga- 
rantias no  enumerados,  pero  que 
nacen  del  principio  de  la  soberania 
del  pueblo  y  de  la  forma  republi- 
cana  de  Gobierno. 


authority,  and  appointing  pro  tem- 
pore those  who  shall  fill  their 
places  until  the  regular  appoint- 
ments are  made  in  the  manner 
established  by  the  Constitution. 

Art.  37.  Ever}T  person  has  the 
right  to  ask  and  obtain  protection 
from  the  Supreme  Court  of  Justice 
or  the  Chamber  of  second  instance, 
whenever  any  authority  or  private 
individual  restrains  his  personal 
liberty  or  the  exercise  of  any  indi- 
vidual right  guaranteed  by  the 
present  Constitution.  A  special 
law  shall  regulate  the  manner  and 
form  of  exercising  this  right. 

Art.  38.  None  of  the  constituted 
powers  shall  have  authority  to  con- 
clude or  approve  treaties  or  con- 
ventions by  which  the  form  of 
government  herein  provided  for  be 
in  any  way  altered,  or  by  which  the 
integrity  of  the  territory  or  the 
national  sovereign t}^  be  abridged; 
this  to  be  understood  without  pre- 
judice to  the  provisions  of  art.  151 
of  the  present  Constitution. 

Art.  39.  Neither  the  legislative 
nor  the  Executive  power,  nor  any 
tribunal,  authority,  or  person 
whatsoever,  shall  have  authority-  to 
abridge,  alter,  or  violate  the  con- 
stitutional guaranties  without  in- 
curring thereby  the  responsibilties 
established  by  law.  A  law  on 
the  state  of  siege  shall  determine 
the  guaranties  which  may  be  sus- 
pended and  the  cases  in  which  the 
suspension  ma}r  take  place. 

Art.  40.  The  enumeration  of 
rights  and  guaranties  made  in  the 
present  Constitution  shall  never  be 
construed  as  a  denial  of  other 
rights  and  guaranties  not  enum- 
erated, but  emanating  from  the 
principle  of  the  sovereignty  of  the 
people  and  from  the  republican 
form  of  government. 


CONSTITUTION. 


267 


TITULO  III. 
DE  LOS  SALVADORENOS. 

Art.  41.  Los  salvadorenos  lo 
son  por  nacimiento  6  por  naturali- 
zacion. 

Art.  42.  Son  salvadorenos  por 
nacimiento: 

1.  Los  nacidos  en  territorio  del 
Salvador,  excepto  los  hijos  de  ex- 
tranjeros  no  natural izados. 

2.  Los  hijos  legitimos  de  ex- 
tranjero  con  salvadorena,  nacidos 
en  territorio  del  Salvador,  cuando 
dentro  del  aiio  subsiguiente  a  la 
epoca  en  que  lleguen  a  la  mayor 
edad  no  manitiesten  ante  el  Go- 
bernador  respectivo  que  optan  por 
la  nacionalidad  del  padre;  los  hijos 
legitimos  de  salvadoreno  con  ex- 
tranjera  y  los  hijos  ilegitimos  de 
salvadorena  con  extranjero,  naci- 
dos en  El  Salvador. 


3.  Los  hijos  legitimos  de  salva- 
doreno y  los  ilegitimos  de  salva- 
dorena, nacidos  en  pais  extranjero 
y  no  naturalizados  en  e"l. 

4.  Los  descendientes  de  hijos  de 
extranjeros  6  de  extranjero  con 
salvadorena,  nacidos  unos  y  otros 
en  El  Salvador. 

Art.  43.  Son  salvadorenos  por 
naturalizacion  los  que  con  forme  a 
las  leyes  anteriores  hayan  adqui- 
rido  esta  calidad  y  los  que  en  lo 
sucesivo  la  obtengan,  segun  las 
reglas  siguientes: 

1.  Los  hispano-americanos  que 
obtengan  carta  de  naturalizacion 
del  Gobernador  departamental  res- 
pectivo, quien  la  concedera  con 
solo  la  comprobacion  de  la  buena 
conducta  del  solicitante: 

2.  Los  extranjeros  que  soliciten 
y  obtengan  la  naturalizacion  de  la 
misma  autoridad,  comprobando  su 
buena  conducta  y  dos  anos  de  resi- 
dencia  en  El  Salvador: 


TITLE  III. 

SALVADOREANS. 

Art.  41.  Salvadoreans  are  such 
by  birth  or  by  naturalization. 

Art.  42.  The  following  persons 
are  Salvadoreans  by  birth: 

1.  Those  born  in  the  territory  of 
Salvador,  except  the  children  of 
aliens  not  naturalized. 

2.  The  legitimate  children  of  an 
alien  man  and  a  Salvadorean  woman 
born  in  the  territory  of  Salvador, 
if  within  a  j^ear  subsequent  to  the 
date  in  which  they  reach  the  age  of 
majority  they  fail  to  declare  before 
the  respective  governor  that  they 
choose  the  nationality  of  their 
father;  the  legitimate  children  of  a 
Salvadorean  man  and  an  alien 
woman;  and  the  illegitimate  chil- 
dren of  a  Salvadorean  Woman  and 
an  alien  man  if  they  have  been 
born  in  Salvador. 

3.  The  legitimate  children  of  a 
Salvadorean  man  and  the  illegiti- 
mate children  of  a  Salvadorean 
woman,  when  born  in  a  foreign 
country  and  not  naturalized  in  it. 

4.  The  descendants  of  children 
of  aliens,  or  of  an  alien  man  and  a 
Salvadorean  woman,  if  born  in 
Salvador. 

Art.  43.  Salvadoreans  by  nat- 
uralization are  those  who,  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  laws  in  force 
at  the  present  time,  have  acquired 
this  quality,  and  those  who  in  the 
future  shall  obtain  the  same  accord- 
ing to  the  following  rules: 

1.  Spanish- Americans  who  have 
obtained  letters  of  naturalization 
from  the  respective  departmental 
governor,  said  letters  to  be  granted 
with  no  other  requisite  than  proper 
proof  of  good  behavior  on  the  part 
of  the  applicant. 

2.  Aliens  who  have  applied  to 
the  same  authority  for  naturaliza- 
tion and  obtained  it  upon  proof  of 
good  behavior  and  two  years'  resi- 
dence in  Salvador. 


268 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


3.  Los  que  obtengan  carta  de 
naturalizacion  del  Cuerpo  Legisla- 
tive: 

4.  Los  que  hayan  adquirido  la 
naturalizacion  conf  orme  al  articulo 
48  de  esta  Constitucion. 

Art.  44.  Tambien  se  consideran 
como  salvadorenos  naturalizados 
a  los  centro-americanos  que  mani- 
fiesten  ante  el  Gobernador  respec- 
tive el  deseo  de  ser  salvadorenos. 

TTTULO  IV. 

DE  LOS  EXTRANJEROS. 

Art.  45.  Los  extranjeros,  desde 
el  instante  en  que  lleguen  al  terri- 
torio  de  la  Republica,  estaran  es- 
trictamente  obligados  a  respetar  a 
las  autoridades  y  a  observar  las 
leyes,  y  adquiriran  derecho  a  ser 
protegidos  por  6stas. 

Art.  46.  Ni  los  salvadorenos, 
ni  los  extranjeros  podran  en  ningun 
caso  reclamar  al  Gobierno  indemni- 
zacion  alguna  por  dafios  y  perjui- 
cios  que  a  sus  personas  6  sus  bienes 
causaren  las  facciones,  quedando 
expeditos  sus  derechos  para  enta- 
blar  sus  reclamos  contra  los  fun- 
cionarios  6  particulares  culpables. 

Art.  47.  Losextranjerospueden 
adquirir  toda  clase  de  bienes,  no 
quedando  estos  exonerados  de  las 
cargas  ordinarias  6  extraordinarias 
que  las  leyes  establezcan  sobre  los 
bienes  de  los  salvadorenos. 

Art.  48.  Porelhechodeaceptar 
un  extranjero  un  empleo  publico 
con  goce  de  sueldo,  salvo  en  el  pro- 
fesorado  y  la  milicia,  renuncia  su 
nacionalidad,  quedando  naturali- 
zado  en  El  Salvador. 

Art.  49.  Ningun  pacto  interna- 
cional  podra  modificar  en  manera 
alguna  las  disposiciones  contenidas 
en  este  Titulo. 

Art.  50.  Los  extranjeros  que- 
daran  sujetos  a  una  ley  especial  de 
extranjeria. 


3.  All  persons  who  have  obtained 
naturalization  papers  from  the 
legislative  body. 

4.  All  persons  who  have  acquired 
naturalization  pursuant  to  article 
48  of  the  present  Constitution. 

Art.  44.  All  Central  Americans 
who  declare  before  the  respective 
governor  their  desire  to  be  Salva- 
doreans shall  be  considered  natu- 
ralized citizens  of  Salvador. 

TITLE  IV. 

ALIENS. 

Art.  45.  Aliens  shall  be  strictly 
bound  from  the  moment  of  their 
arrival  into  the  territory  of  the 
Republic  to  respect  its  authorities 
and  comply  with  its  laws;  and 
they  shall  also  acquire  at  the  same 
time  the  right  to  be  protected. 

Art.  46.  Neither  Salvadoreans 
nor  aliens  shall  have  any  right  to 
claim  in  any  case  from  the  Govern- 
ment indemnity  for  damages  and 
injuries  done  to  their  persons  or 
property  by  factions,  but  they 
shall  be  free  to  sue  the  guilty 
parties,  whether  official  or  private. 

Art.  47.  Aliens  may  acquire  all 
kinds  of  property,  but  their  prop- 
erty shall  not  be  exempted  from 
the  ordinary  or  extraordinary 
taxes  which  may  be  levied  by  law 
upon  the  property  of  Salvado- 
reans. 

Art.  48.  An  alien  by  the  fact 
of  accepting  a  public  office  with 
salary,  unless  it  is  in  the  militia, 
or  in  the  service  of  public  instruc- 
tion, abandons  his  nationality  and 
becomes  a  naturalized  citizen  of 
Salvador. 

Art.  49.  No  international  com- 
pact shall  be  entered  into  by  which 
the  provisions  of  the  present  title 
are  in  any  way  modified. 

Art.  50.  Aliens  shall  be  subject 
to  a  special  law,  to  be  enacted 
hereafter. 


CONSTITUTION. 


269 


TTTTTLO  V. 
DE  LA  CIUDADANIA. 

Art.  51.  Son  ciudadanos  todos 
los  salvadorenos  may  ores  de  diez 
y  ocho  anos,  los  casados  y  los  que 
hayan  obtenido  algun  titulo  lite- 
rario,  aunque  no  hubiesen  ltegado 
a  esta  edad. 

Art.  52.  El  ejercicio  de  la  ciu- 
dadania  se  suspende: 

1.  Por  auto  de  prision  en  causa 
criminal  que  no  admita  excarcela- 
cion  garantida. 

2.  Por  conducta  notoriamente 
viciada. 

3.  Por  enajenacion  mental. 

4.  Por  interdiccion  judicial. 

5.  Por  negarse  a  desempenar 
sin  justa  causa  un  cargo  de  elec- 
cion  popular.  La  suspension  en 
este  caso  durara  por  todo  el  tiempo 
que  debiera  desempenarse  dicno 
cargo. 

6.  Por  sentencia  judicial  que 
asi  lo  declare. 

Art.  53.  Pierden  los  derechos 
de  ciudadano: 

1.  Los  condenados  a  una  pena 
que  traiga  consigo  la  perdida  de  la 
ciudadania. 

2.  Los  condenados  por  delito 
grave. 

3.  Los  que  se  naturalizen  en 
pais  extranjero. 

4.  Los  que  residiendo  en  la 
Republica  admitan  empleos  de  otra 
nacion  sin  licencia  del  Poder  Legis- 
lative 

5.  Los  que  vendan  su  voto  en 
las  elecciones. 

6.  Los  que  suscribieren  actas  6 
proclamas  6  emplearen  otros  me- 
dios  directos,  promoviendo  6  apo- 
yando  la  reeleccion  del  Presidente 
de  la  Republica. 

7.  Los  funcionarios,  que  ejer- 
ciendo  autoridad  publica  en  el  or- 
den  civil  6  militar,  coarten  la 
libertad  del  sufragio. 


TITLE  V. 
CITIZENSHIP. 

Art.  51.  All  Salvadoreans  over 
eighteen  years  of  age  and  those 
who  have  not  reached  that  age  but 
are  married,  or  have  obtained  some 
literary  degree,  are  citizens. 

Art.  52.  The  rights  of  citizen- 
ship are  suspended: 

1.  By  the  issuance  of  an  order  of 
arrest  against  a  citizen  in  criminal 
cases  for  non-bailable  offenses. 

2.  By  notorious  bad  behavior. 

3.  By  mental  derangement. 

4.  By  judicial  decree. 

5.  By  refusing  to  accept,  with- 
out just  cause,  a  position  of  popu- 
lar election.  The  suspension  in 
this  case  shall  continue  during  the 
whole  period  the  said  position 
should  have  been  filled. 

6.  By  declaration  to  that  effect 
in  a  judicial  sentence. 

Art.  53.  The  rights  of  citizen- 
ship are  lost: 

1.  By  those  condemned  to  suffer 

f)enalties  carrying  with  them  the 
oss  of  citizenship. 

2.  By  those  convicted  and  sen- 
tenced for  a  grave  offense. 

3.  By  those  obtaining  naturali- 
zation in  a  foreign  country. 

4.  By  those  who  accept,  while 
residing  in  the  Republic,  offices 
from  other  nations  without  per- 
mission of  the  legislative  power. 

5.  B}^  those  who  sell  their  vote 
in  the  elections. 

6.  By  those  signing  acts  or  proc- 
lamations, or  promoting  or  assist- 
ing, through  other  direct  means, 
the  reelection  of  the  President  of 
the  Republic. 

7.  By  those  who,  while  in  the 
exercise  of  public  authority,  civil 
or  military,  restrict  the  liberty  of 
suffrage. 


270 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


TfTULO  VI. 
DEL  PODER  LEGISLATIVO. 

Art.  54.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
sera  ejercido  por  una  Asamblea 
Nacional  de  Diputados. 

Art.  55.  El  Cuerpo  Legislative 
se  reunira  ordinariamente  en  la 
capital  de  la  Republiea  sin  necesi- 
dad  de  convocatoria,  del  primero 
al  quince  de  Febrero  de  cada  afio; 
y  extraordinariamente  cuando  sea 
convocado  por  el  Poder  Ejecutivo 
en  Consejo  de  Ministros.  La 
Asamblea  podra  trasladarse  a  otro 
lugar  para  celebrar  sus  sesiones 
cuando  asi  lo  acuerde. 


Art.  56.  El  niimero  de  sus  se- 
siones ordinarias  no  excedera  de 
cuarenta  y  el  de  las  extraordina- 
rias  sera  el  neeesario  para  re- 
solver  los  asuntos  de  su  compe- 
tencia  que  el  Ejecutivo  le  someta. 

Art.  57.  Tree  Representantes 
reunidos  en  junta  preparatoria, 
tienen  facultad  para  tomar  inme- 
diatamente  todas  las  providencias 
que  convengan  a  tin  de  hacer  con- 
currir  a  los  otros  hasta  conseguir 
su  plenitud. 

Art.  58.  La  mayoria  de  los 
miembros  de  la  Asamblea  sera 
suficiente  para  deliberar,  pero 
cuando  se  hallen  menos  de  los  dos 
tercios  de  los  electos,  el  consenti- 
miento  de  las  dos  terceras  partes 
de  los  presentes  sera  neeesario 
para  toda  resolucion. 

Art.  59.  Los  miembros  de  la 
Asamblea  se  renovaran  cada  ano, 
pudiendo  ser  reelectos. 

Art.  60.  Para  ser  electo  Dipu- 
tado  se  requiere  ser  mayor  de  vein- 
ticinco  anos,  ciudadano  salvadore- 
no,  de  notoria  honradez  e  instruc- 
cion,  sin  haber  perdido  la  ciuda- 
dania  en  los  cinco  anos  anteriores 
a  la  eleccion,  y  ser  natural  6  vecino 
del  departamento  que  lo  elige. 


TITLE  VI. 

THE  LEGISLATIVE  POWER. 

Art.  54.  The  legislative  power 
is  vested  in.  a  body  called  the  Na- 
tional Assembly  of  Deputies. 

Art.  55.  The  legislative  body 
shall  meet  regularly,  without  the 
necessity  of  being  called  for  that 
purpose,  in  the  capital  of  the  Re- 
public, between  the  first  and  fif- 
teenth of  February  of  each  year, 
but  it  shall  meet  in  extra  session 
whenever  called  to  that  effect  by 
the  Executive  power,  with  the  ad- 
vice of  the  council  of  ministers. 
The  Assembly  may  move  to  some 
other  place  and  hold  its  meetings 
there,  whenever  it  may  so  resolve. 

Art.  56.  The  number  of  its  or- 
dinary meetings  shall  not  exceed 
forty,  and  the  number  of  the  extra- 
ordinary ones  shall  be  such  as  re- 
quired for  the  transaction  of  the 
business  within  its  jurisdiction  sub- 
mitted to  it  by  the  Executive. 

Art.  57.  Three  representatives 
assembled  in  a  preparatory  com- 
mittee shall  have  power  to  take 
at  once  all  the  steps  necessary  to 
secure  the  full  attendance  of  the 
other  members  of  the  Assembly. 

Art.  58.  A  majority  of  the 
members  of  the  Assembly  shall  be 
sufficient  to  deliberate,  but  no  de- 
cision can  be  reached  when  less 
than  two-thirds  of  the  members 
are  present,  if  two-thirds  of  the 
present  ones  do  not  consent  to  it. 

Art.  59.  The  members  of  the 
Assembly  shall  be  renewed  every 
year,  but  they  may  be  reelected. 

Art.  60.  No  Deputy  shall  be 
elected  who  is  not  over  twenty- 
five  years  of  age,  a  Salvadorean 
citizen,  a  man  of  recognized  hon- 
esty and  instruction,  whose  rights 
of  citizenship  have  not  been  lost 
during  the  period  of  five  years 
previous  to  the  election,  and  a 
native  or  resident  of  the  depart- 
ment which  elects  him. 


CONSTITUTION. 


271 


Art.  61.  No  podran  ser  electos 
Diputados  los  contratistas  de  obras 
6  servicios  publicos  de  cualquiera 
clase  que  se  costeen  con  fondos  del 
Estado,  y  los  que  de  resultas  de 
tales  contratas  tengan  pendientes 
reclamaciones  de  interes  propio. 
Tampoco  podran  serlo  los  em- 
pleados  con  goce  de  sueldo  de  nom- 
bramiento  del  Ejecutivo,  sino  des- 
pues de  seis  meses  de  haber  cesado 
en  sus  funciones. 

Art.  62.  Los  Diputados  suplen- 
tes  tendran  las  mismas  cualidades 
que  los  propietarios. 

Art.  63.  Los  Diputados  no  po- 
dran obtener  empleo  durante  el 
tiempo  para  que  nan  sido  electos; 
excepto  los  de  Secretario  de  Estado, 
Representantes  diplomaticos  y 
cargos  sin  goce  de  sueldo. 

Art.  64.  Los  Representantes  de 
la  Nacion  son  inviolables.  En 
consecuencia  ningun  Diputado  sera 
responsable  en  tiempo  alguno  por 
sus  opiniones,  ya  sean  expresadas 
de  palabra  6  por  escrito. 

Art.  65.  Desde  el  dia  de  la  elec- 
cion hasta  quince  dias  despues  de 
haber  recesado  el  Poder  Legisla- 
tivo,  no  podra  iniciarse  ni  seguirse 
contra  los  Representantes  juicio 
alguno  civil. 

Por  los  delitos  graves  que  come- 
tan  desde  el  diade  la  eleccion  hasta 
el  receso  no  podran  ser  juzgados 
sino  por  la  Asamblea  para  el  solo 
efecto  de  deponer  al  culpable  y 
someterlo  a  los  tribunales  comunes. 


Por  los  delitos  menos  graves  y 
faltas  que  cometan  durante  el  mis- 
mo  periodo  seran  juzgados  por  el 
juez  competente;  pero  no  podran 
ser  detenidos  6  presos,  ni  llamados 
a  declarar  sino  despues  del  receso. 


Si  hubieren  cometido  algun  de- 
lito  grave  antes  de  la  eleccion,  la 
Asamblea,  una  vez  averiguado  el 
hecho,  declarara  nula  la  eleccion  y 


Art.  61.  No  contractor  of  pub- 
lic works  or  services  of  any  class, 
paid  or  supported  out  of  funds  of 
the  Government,  and  no  person 
who  has  an  interest  in  claims 
arising  out  of  said  contracts, 
shall  be  elected  Deputy.  Nor  shall 
the  official  salaried  employees  ap- 
pointed by  the  Executive  be  elected 
Deputies  until  the  expiration  of 
six  months,  to  be  counted  from  the 
day  their  position  was  vacated. 

Art.  62.  Substitute  Deputies 
shall  have  the  same  qualifications 
as  Deputies. 

Art.  63.  Deputies  shall  not  be 
appointed  to  any  office  during  their 
term  of  service,  except  those  of 
secretary  of  state,  diplomatic  rep- 
resentative of  the  country,  or  of- 
fices without  a  salary. 

Art.  64.  The  representatives  of 
the  Nation  are  inviolable.  Conse- 
quently no  Deputy  shall  be  held 
responsible  at  any  time  for  his 
opinions  expressed  verbally  or  in 
writing. 

Art.  65.  No  civil  action  of  any 
kind  shall  be  brought  or  prose- 
cuted, against  the  representatives 
of  the  Nation,  from  the  day  of  their 
election  until  the  expiration  of  fif- 
teen days  after  the  adjournment  of 
the  Assembly. 

If  any  representative  commits  a 
grave  offense  between  the  day  of 
the  election  and  the  day  of  adjourn- 
ment, he  shall  be  tried  by  the  As- 
sembly for  the  sole  purpose  of  ex- 
pelling him,  if  guilty,  and  then 
surrendering  him  to  the  ordinary 
courts. 

For  minor  offenses  and  misde- 
meanors, committed  during  the 
same  period,  the  representative 
shall  be  subject  to  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  competent  court;  but  he 
shall  not  be  detained,  arrested,  or 
examined  until  after  the  adjourn- 
ment. 

If  the  offense  committed  by  the 
representative  is  grave,  but  ante- 
rior to  the  date  of  the  election,  the 
Assembly  shall  have  the  power, 


272 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


sometera  al  culpable  a  los  tribu- 
nals competentes. 


Si  durante  las  sesiones  f  uere  sor- 
prendido  algun  Representante  en 
flagrante  delito,  podra  ser  detenido 
por  cualquiera  persona  6  autoridad, 
y  e"sta  lo  pondra  dentro  de  veinti- 
cuatro  horas  a  disposition  de  la 
Asamblea. 

Art.  66.  Las  disposiciones  de 
los  dos  articulos  anteriores  son  ex- 
tensivas  a  los  Congresos  Consti- 
tuyentes. 

Art.  67.  Corresponde  a  la 
Asamblea  Nacional: 

1.  Calificar  la  eleccion  de  sus 
miembros,  aceptando  6  desechando 
sus  credenciales. 

2.  Admitirles  sus  renuncias  por 
causas  legalmente  comprobadas. 

3.  Exigirles  la  responsabilidad 
en  los  casos  previstos  por  esta 
Constitution. 

4.  Llamar  a  los  suplentes  en 
caso  de  muerte,  renuncia  6  impo- 
sibilidad  de  concurrir  de  los  pro- 
pietarios. 

5.  Formar  su  Reglamento  inte- 
rior. 

Art.  68.  Son  atribuciones  del 
Poder  Legislativo: 

1.  Abrir  y  cerrar  sus  sesiones 
y  acordar  los  teVminos  en  que  se 
deba  contestar  el  Mensaje  del  Pre- 
sidente  de  la  Repiiblica. 

2.  Abrir  los  pliegos  que  con- 
tengan  los  sufragios  para  Presi- 
dente  y  Vice-Presidente  de  la  Re- 
piiblica y  hacer  el  escrutinio  de  los 
votos  por  medio  de  una  comision 
de  su  seno. 

3.  Declarar  la  eleccion  de  los 
funcionarios  indicados,  previo  el 
dictamen  de  la  comision  escruta- 
dora,  quien  debera  expresar  tam- 
bien  si  los  electos  reunen  6  no  las 
cualidades  requeridas  por  la  ley. 


upon  the  proper  investigation  of 
the  facts,  to  annul  the  election  and 
submit  the  guilty  party  to  the  com- 
petent courts. 

If,  during  the  sessions,  a  repre- 
sentative is  caught  in  the  act  of 
committing  a  crime  or  offense,  any 

Erivate  person  or  authority  shall 
ave  the  power  to  detain  him  and 
Elace  him,  within  twenty-four 
ours,  at  the  disposal  of  the  As- 
sembly. 

Art.  66.  The  provisions  of  the 
two  preceding  articles  are  applica- 
ble to  the  members  of  constitu- 
tional conventions. 

Art.  67.  The  following  corre- 
sponds to  the  National  Assembly: 

1.  To  be  the  judge  of  the  elec- 
tion of  its  own  members,  and  ac- 
cept or  reject  their  credentials. 

2.  To  admit  the  resignations  of 
their  members  when  founded  upon 
reasons  lawfully  proved. 

3.  To  enforce  against  them  in 
the  cases  provided  by  the  present 
Constitution  the  responsibilities 
which  they  may  have  incurred. 

4.  To  call  the  substitutes  to  re- 
place the  Deputies  in  case  of  death, 
resignation,  or  inabilitj^. 

5.  To  make  rules  for  its  interior 
government. 

Art.  68.  The  following  are  the 
duties  of  the  legislative  power: 

1.  To  open  and  close  its  sessions, 
and  agree  to  the  terms  in  which 
the  message  of  the  President  of 
the  Republic  should  be  answered. 

2.  To  open  the  envelopes  con- 
taining the  votes  for  President  and 
Vice-president  of  the  Republic,  and 
count  the  said  votes  by  means  of 
a  committee  of  its  members. 

3.  To  declare  the  election  of  the 
said  functionaries  upon  the  report 
of  the  committee,  said  committee 
being  bound  also  to  express 
whether  or  not  the  persons  elected 
have  the  qualifications  required 
by  law. 


CONSTITUTION. 


273 


4.  Dar  posesion  al  Presidente 
y  Vice-Presidente  de  la  Republica, 
recibiendoles  la  protesta  constitu- 
cional;  conocer  de  sus  renuncias  y 
de  las  licencias  que  soliciten. 


5.  Elegir  por  votacion  publica 
a  los  Magistrados  del  Supremo 
Tribunal  de  Justicia  y  a  los  Con- 
tadores  del  Tribunal  Mayor  de 
Cuentas,  recibirles  la  protesta 
constitucional  y  conocer  de  sus 
renuncias. 

6.  Tomar  la  cuenta  detallada  y 
documentada  que  debe  rendir  el 
Ejecutivo  por  medio  de  sus  Minis- 
tros  para  los  efectos  del  numero 
25  de  este  articulo. 

7.  Designar  tres  personas  que 
deben  ejercer  el  Poder  Ejecutivo 
en  los  casos  determinados  por  esta 
Constitucion,  debiendo  aquellas 
tener  las  mismas  cualidades  que  se 
exigen  para  ser  Presidente  de  la 
Republica.  Esta  designacion  puede 
recaer  en  miembros  del  Congreso. 

8.  Resolver  acerca  de  las  dudas 
que  ocurran  6  denuncias  que  se 
hagan  sobre  incapacidad  del  Pre- 
sidente 6  Vice-Presidente  de  la 
Republica  y  de  los  empleados  de 
eleccion  de  la  misma  Asamblea. 

9.  Decretar,  interpretar,  re- 
formar  y  derogar  las  leyes  secun- 
darias. 

10.  Erigir  jurisdicciones  y  esta- 
blecer  en  ellas  funcionarios  que  a 
nombre  de  la  Republica  conozcan, 
juzguen  y  sentencien  en  toda  clase 
de  causas  6  negocios  civiles  6 
criminales. 

11.  Designar  las  atribuciones  y 
jurisdiccion  de  los  diferentes 
funcionarios. 

12.  Establecer  impuestos  y  con- 
tribuciones  sobre  toda  clase  de 
bienes  y  rentas  con  la  debida  pro- 
portion, si  fueren  directos;  y  en 


I.  To  give  the  President  and 
Vice-president  of  the  Republic 
possession  of  their  offices;  to  ad- 
minister to  them  the  constitutional 
affirmation;  to  take  cognizance  of 
their  resignations;  and  to  grant  or 
refuse  them  leaves  of  absence. 

5.  To  elect  by  popular  vote  the 
members  of  the  supreme  court  of 
justice  and  the  comptrollers  of  the 
treasuiy;  to  administer  to  them 
the  constitutional  affirmation;  and 
to  take  cognizance  of  their  resig- 
nations. 

6.  To  examine  the  account  and 
vouchers  submitted  to  it  by  the 
Executive  through  the  respective 
ministers,  for  the  purposes  of 
clause  25  of  the  present  article. 

7.  To  designate  three  persons 
who  shall  exercise  the  Executive 
power  in  the  cases  established  by 
the  present  Constitution,  said  per- 
sons to  have  the  same  qualifica- 
tions as  are  required  to  be  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic.  This  desig- 
nation may  be  made  in  favor  of 
members  of  Congress. 

8.  To  decide  in  case  of  doubt, 
or  upon  denunciation,  whether  or 
not  the  President  or  Vice-presi- 
dent of  the  Republic,  or  any  offi- 
cer elected  b}T  the  same  Assembly, 
is  capable  of  performing  his  du- 
ties. 

9.  To  enact,  interpret,  amend, 
and  repeal  secondary  laws. 

10.  To  create  judicial  districts, 
and  place  at  the  head  thereof  the 
proper  functionaries,  who,  in  the 
name  of  the  Republic,  shall  take 
cognizance  of  cases  and  causes  of 
all  classes,  civil  or  criminal,  and 
try  and  settle  them. 

II.  To  define  the  powers  and 
jurisdiction  of  the  different  func- 
tionaries. 

12.  To  levy  taxes  and  imposts 
on  all  classes  of  propert}'  and  rev- 
enues, this  to  be  done  in  due  pro- 
portion if  the  taxes  or  imposts  are 


360a— vol  1—06- 


-18 


274 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


caso  de  invasion  6  guerra  legal- 
mente  declarada,  decretal*  empr^s- 
titos  forzosos  con  la  misma  pro- 
porcion,  en  caso  que  no  hasten  las 
rentas  publicas  ordinarias,  ni  se 
puedan  conseguir  emprestitos 
voluntarios. 

13.  Facultar  al  Poder  Ejecutivo 

f>ara  que  contrate  emprestitos  vo- 
untarios,  dentro  6  f uera  de  la  Re- 
publica,  cuando  una  grave  y  ur- 
gente  necesidad  lo  demande. 

Los  emprestitos  contratados  de 
conformidad  con  este  articulo  de- 
beran  someterse  a  la  aprobacion 
del  Poder  Legislative 

14.  Decretar  anualmente  el  pre- 
supuesto  de  gastos  de  la  Adminis- 
tracion  piiblica,  debiendo  arreglar 
la  inversion  de  las  rentas  de  modo 
que  sean  atendidas  de  preferencia 
la  instruccion  publica,  la  adminis- 
tracion  de  justicia  y  la  policia. 

15.  Conferir  los  grados  de  Te- 
niente  Coronel  inclusive  arriba, 
con  presencia  de  la  respectiva  hoja 
de  servicios. 

16.  Decretal*  las  armas  y  pabe- 
llon  de  la  Republica. 

17.  Fijar  la  ley,  peso  y  tipo  de  la 
moneda,  y  arreglar  las  pesas  y 
medidas. 

18.  Conceder  a  personas  6  pobla- 
ciones  titulos,  distinciones  hono- 
rificas  y  gratificaciones  compatibles 
con  el  sistema  de  Gobierno  esta- 
blecido,  por  servicios  relevantes 
prestados  a  la  patria. 

19.  Asignar,  aumentar  6  dismi- 
nuir  sueldos  a  los  empleados  6  f  un- 
cionarios,  crear  y  suprimir  em- 
pleos.  Pero  los  decretos  sobre 
aumento  de  sueldos  a  los  funcio- 
narios  de  los  Supremos  Poderes 
Legislativo  y  Ejecutivo,  no  podran 
tener  efecto  sino  hasta  el  periodo 
siguiente. 

20.  Decretar  premios  6  conceder 
privilegios  temporales  a  los  au- 
tores  de  inventos  utiles  y  a  los 
introductores  6  perfeccionadores 
de  industrias  de  utilidad  general. 


direct.  In  cases  of  invasion  or 
war  legally  declared,  to  decree 
forced  loans  in  the  same  propor- 
tion, if  the  ordinary  public  revenue 
is  not  sufficient,  or  if  no  voluntaiy 
loans  can  be  obtained. 

13.  To  authorize  the  Executive 
power  to  contract  voluntas  loans, 
either  at  home  or  abroad,  when  a 
grave  and  urgent  necessity  may 
demand  it. 

The  loans  contracted  in  compli- 
ance with  this  article  shall  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  approval  of  the  leg- 
islative power. 

14.  To  make  annually  the  appro- 
priations necessary  to  meet  the 
expenses  of  the  Government;  but 
in  the  disbursement  of  the  public 
moneys  preference  shall  be  given 
to  public  instruction,  the  adminis- 
tration of  justice,  and  the  police. 

15.  To  grant,  upon  examination 
of  the  services  rendered,  the  ranks 
of  lieutenant-colonel  and  others 
superior  to  it. 

16.  To  determine  the  coat  of 
arms  and  the  flag  of  the  Republic. 

17.  To  establish  the  fineness, 
weight,  and  type  of  the  national 
coin,  and  the  standard  of  weights 
and  measures. 

18.  To  grant  to  persons  or  towns 
titles,  honors,  and  pecuniary  re- 
wards, compatible  with  the  estab- 
lished system  of  government,  for 
great  services  to  the  country. 

19.  To  fix,  increase,  or  decrease 
the  salaries  of  the  employees  or 
functionaries,  and  create  and  abol- 
ish offices.  But  no  decree  increas- 
ing the  salaries  of  the  function- 
aries of  the  supreme  legislative, 
and  Executive  powers  shall  go 
into  effect  until  the  next  period. 

20.  To  grant  rewards  or  privi- 
leges for  a  limited  time  to  the  au- 
thors of  useful  inventions,  or  those 
who  introduce  or  improve  any  in- 
industry  of  general  utility. 


CONSTITUTION. 


275 


21.  Decretar  la  guerra  con  pre- 
sencia  de  los  datos  que  le  comuni- 
que  el  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

22.  Conceder  aranistias  e  in- 
dultos,  con  vista  en  el  ultimo  caso, 
del  informe  y  dictamen  favorables 
de  la  Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia. 

23.  Decretar  el  estado  de  sitio 
en  los  casos  y  por  las  causas  que 
una  ley  constitutiva  determinant, 
el  que  debera  levantarse  conforme 
a  la  misma  ley. 

24.  Rehabilitar  a  los  que  hay  an 
perdido  los  derechos  de  ciudadania. 

25.  Aprobar  6  desaprobar  los 
actos  del  Ejecutivo. 

26.  Decretar  leyes  sobre  el  re- 
conocimiento  de  la  deuda  nacional, 
y  crear  y  designar  los  f  ondos  nece- 
sarios  para  su  pago. 

27.  Conceder  6  negar  permiso  a 
los  salvadorenos  que  lo  soliciten 
para  aceptar  empleos  de  otra  na- 
cion,  compatibles  con  el  sistema  de 
Gobierno  del  Salvador. 

28.  Conceder  6  negar  carta  de 
naturalizacion  a  los  extranjeros 
que  la  soliciten. 

29.  Ratificar,  modificar  6  desa- 
probar los  tratados  6  pactos  que 
celebre  el  Ejecutivo  con  otras  na- 
ciones;  no  pudiendo  ser  ratificados 
en  ningun  caso  los  tratados  6  con- 
venciones  en  que  de  alguna  manera 
se  restrinja  6  af  ecte  el  ejercicio  del 
derecho  de  insurreccion,  6  se  viole 
alguna  de  las  demas  disposiciones 
constitucionales. 

30.  Permitir  6  negar  el  transito 
de  tropas  de  otros  paises  por  el 
territorio  de  la  Republica. 

31.  Conocer  en  el  juicio  de  res- 
ponsabilidad  de  los  empleados  su- 
periores,  y  de  la  manera  que  se 
dira  en  el  Titulo  XIII  de  esta  Cons- 
titucion. 

Art.  69.  Cuando  la  Asamblea 
Nacional  sea  convocada  extraordi- 
nariamente,  solo  podra  tratar  de 
los  asuntos  de  su  competencia  que 
el  Ejecutivo  someta  a  su  conoci- 
miento. 


21.  To  declare  war,  upon  infor- 
mation submitted  to  it  by  the  Ex- 
ecutive power. 

22.  To  grant  amnesties  and 
pardons,  but  no  pardon  shall  be 
granted  without  report  and  fav- 
orable recommendation  of  the  su- 
preme court  of  justice. 

23.  To  decree  a  state  of  siege  in 
the  cases  and  for  the  causes  which 
a  law  of  constitutional  character 
shall  fix,  the  said  state  of  siege  to 
be  raised  when  provided  by  law. 

24.  To  restore  citizenship  to 
those  who  have  lost  it. 

25.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
the  acts  of  the  Executive. 

26.  To  enact  laws  recognizing 
the  national  debt  and  creating  and 
appropriating  funds  for  its  pay- 
ment. 

27.  To  grant  or  refuse  permis- 
sion to  Salvadoreans  to  accept  of- 
fices from  other  nations,  if  com- 
patible with  the  system  of  govern- 
ment of  Salvador. 

28.  To  grant  or  refuse  naturali- 
zation to  aliens  who  may  request 
it. 

29.  To  ratify,  amend,  or  reject 
the  treaties  or  conventions  entered 
into  by  the  Executive  with  other 
nations;  but  no  treaty  or  conven- 
tion which  in  any  way  restricts  or 
affects  the  exercise  of  the  right  of 
insurrection,  or  violates  any  con- 
stitutional provision,  shall  ever  be 
ratified. 

30.  To  allow  or  disallow  the 
transit  of  troops  of  other  coun- 
tries through  the  territory  of  the 
Republic. 

31.  To  try  cases  of  impeachment 
of  officials  of  superior  rank,  in 
the  manner  and  form  provided  by 
Title  XIII  of  the  present  Consti- 
tution. 

Art.  69.  When  the  National 
Assembly  meets  in  extra  session 
it  shall  deal  only  with  those  sub- 
jects over  which  it  has  competent 
jurisdiction  which  are  submitted 
to  it  by  the  Executive. 


276 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


Art.  70.  Las  facultades  de  la 
Asainblea  Nacional  son  indelega- 
bles,con  exception  de  la  de  darpose- 
sion  al  Presidente  y  Vice-Presi- 
dentede  la  Republica,  Magistrados 
del  Supremo  Tribunal  de  Justicia  y 
Contaaores.  Los  decretos  6  reso- 
luciones  que  se  dictaren  en  con- 
travention a  este  articulo  seran 
nulos,  cualquiera  que  sea  la  causa 
en  que  se  funden,  sin  perjuicio  de 
la  responsabilidad  que  esta  Cons- 
titution establece  para  los  con- 
traventores. 

Art.  71.  Tienen  exclusivamente 
la  iniciativa  de  ley  los  Diputados, 
el  Presidente  de  la  Republica  por 
conducto  de  sus  Ministros  y  la 
Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia. 

Art.  72.  Todo  proyecto  de  ley, 
despues  de  discutido  y  aprobado 
sepasaraalPoder  Ejecutivo,  quien 
no  teniendo  objeciones  que  hacerle, 
le  dara  su  sancion  3^  lo  hard  publi- 
car  como  ley.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo 
no  podra  hacer  observaciones  ni 
negar  su  sancion  a  las  resoluciones 
de  la  Asamblea  Nacional  en  el 
ejercicio  de  las  atribuciones  con- 
signadas  en  el  articulo  67  y  en  los 
Nos.  3,  5,  7,  8,  25  y  31  del  articulo 
68  de  esta  Constitution. 

Art.  73.  Cuando  el  Ejecutivo 
encontrare  inconvenientes  para 
sancionar  los  proyectos  de  ley  que 
se  le  pasen,  los  devolvera  dentro  de 
ocho  dias  a  la  Asamblea,  puntuali- 
zando  las  razones  en  que  funda  su 
negativa;  y  si  dentro  del  termino 
expresado,  no  los  devolviere,  se 
tendran  por  sancionados,  y  los  pu 
blieara  como  leyes. 


En  caso  de  devolution,  la  Asam- 
blea reconsiderara  el  proyecto;  y 
si  lo  ratificare  con  los  dos  tercios 
de  votos,  lo  dirigira,  al  Ejecutivo, 
quien  lo  tendra  por  ley  que  san- 
cionara  y  publicara. 


Art.  70.  No  power  of  the  Na- 
tional Assembly  shall  be  delegated, 
except  that  of  giving  possession 
of  their  respective  offices  to  the 
President  and  Vice-president  of 
the  Republic,  the  Justices  of  the 
supreme  court,  and  the  Comp- 
trollers of  the  treasury.  The  de- 
crees or  resolutions  passed,  no  mat- 
ter on  what  ground,  in  violation  of 
this  article  snail  be  null  and  void; 
and  all  those  guilty  of  this  viola- 
tion shall  be  subject  to  the  respon- 
sibility established  by  the  present 
Constitution. 

Art.  71.  The  initiative  of  legis- 
lation belongs  exclusively  to  the 
Deputies,  the  President  of  the  Re- 
public, through  his  Ministers,  and 
the  Supreme  Court  of  Justice. 

Art.  72.  All  bills,  after  having 
been  discussed  and  passed,  shall 
be  transmitted  to  the  Executive 
power,  which,  if  having  no  objec- 
tion, shall  sanction  them  and  cause 
them  to  be  published  as  laws.  The 
Executive  power  shall  not  object, 
or  refuse  its  approval  to  the  reso- 
lutions of  the  National  Assembh' 
when  passed  in  the  exercise  of  the 
powers  granted  to  it  in  article  *>7 
and  in  clauses  3,  5,  7,  8,  25,  and  31 
of  article  68  of  the  present  Consti- 
tution. 

Art.  73.  When  the  Executive 
finds  it  advisable  to  disapprove 
bills  passed  by  the  Assembly  and 
transmitted  to  it,  it  shall  return 
them  to  the  Assembly  within  the 
period  of  eight  days,  with  a  state- 
ment of  its  reasons  for  refusing  the 
approval;  but  if  within  the  period 
above  mentioned  the  Executive 
does  not  return  the  bills,  the  latter 
shall  be  considered  as  approved, 
and  shall  be  published  as  laws  by 
the  Executive. 

In  case  that  a  bill  is  returned, 
the  Assembly  shall  discuss  it  again, 
and  if  ratified  by  a  two-thirds  vote, 
it  shall  be  sent  to  the  Executive, 
which  shall  consider  it  as  law,  ap- 
prove it,  and  publish  it. 


CONSTITUTION. 


277 


Cuando  la  Asamblea  emita  una 
ley  en  los  ultimos  dias  de  sus 
sesiones,  y  al  Ejecutivo  no  le 
quedase  el  te*rniino  legal  para  de- 
volverla  con  observaciones,  estara 
este  obligado  a  dar  aviso  inmedia- 
tamente  a  la  Asamblea,  a  fin  de  que 
permanezca  reunida  hasta  que  se 
cumpla  el  termino  expresado;  y  no 
haciendolo,  se  tendra  por  sancio- 
nada  la  ley. 


Art.  74.  Cuando  un  proyecto  de 
ley  f  uere  desechado  6  no  ratificado, 
no  podra  proponerse  en  las  mismas 
sesiones  sino  en  las  de  la  Legisla- 
tura  siguiente. 

Art.  75.  Todo  proyecto  de  ley 
aprobado  se  extendera  por  tripli- 
cado;  y  firmados  los  tres  ejemplares 
por  el  Presidente  y  Secretarios, 
reservandose  un  ejemplar  para  su 
archivo,  pasara  los  otros  al  Ejecu- 
tivo. 

Art.  76.  Recibido  por  el  Eje- 
cutivo un  proyecto  de  ley,  si  no 
encontrare  objecion  que  hacerle, 
firmara  los  dos  ejemplares  y  de- 
volvera  uno  a  la  Asamblea,  re- 
servandose el  otro  en  su  archivo, 
y  lo  publicara  como  ley  en  el  ter- 
mino de  ocho  dias. 


Art.  77.  Para  interpretar,  mo- 
dih'car  6  derogar  las  leyes,  se  ob- 
servaran  los  mismos  tramites  que 
para  su  formacion. 


Art.  78.  Ninguna  ley  obliga 
sino  en  virtud  de  su  solemne  pro- 
mulgacion. 

Para  que  una  ley  de  caracter 
permanente  sea  obligatoria,  de- 
beran  trascurrir  por  lo  menos  doce 
dias  despu^s  de  promulgada.  En 
esta  disposition  no  quedan  com- 
prendidos  los  nombramientos  6 
declaratorias  de  election  que 
hiciere  la  Asamblea. 


When  the  Assembly  passes  a  law 
during  the  last  days  of  its  session, 
and  the  Executive  has  not  the  full 
legal  time  during  which  it  can 
return  it  with  its  objections,  the 
Executive  shall  be  bound  to  give 
immediate  information  of  the  fact 
to  the  Assembly,  in  order  that  it 
nmy  remain  in  session  until  the 
expiration  of  the  time  above  men- 
tioned. If  it  should  fail  to  do  so 
the  bill  shall  be  considered  as  ap- 
proved. 

Art.  74.  No  rejected  or  unrati- 
fied bill  shall  be  introduced  again 
during  the  same  session  of  the 
Assembly,  but  its  introduction 
shall  be  permitted  in  the  following- 
session. 

Art.  75.  All  bills  passed  shall 
be  engrossed  in  triplicate,  each 
copy  to  be  signed  bj7-  the  President 
and  secretaries  of  the  Assembly. 
One  copy  shall  be  left  in  the  ar- 
chives, and  the  other  two  shall  be 
forwarded  to  the  Executive. 

Art.  76.  Upon  the  receipt  by 
the  Executive  of  the  said  two 
copies,  if  no  objection  to  the  bill  is 
found,  its  signature  shall  be  af- 
fixed to  both  copies.  One  shall  be 
left  on  file  at  its  office,  and  the 
other  shall  be  returned  to  the 
Assembly.  The  Executive  shall 
publish  as  law  the  approved  bill 
within  eight  days. 

Art.  77.  The  same  formalities 
provided  for  the  enactment  and 
approval  of  the  laws  shall  be  re- 
quired for  the  interpretation, 
amendment,  or  repeal  of  their 
provisions. 

Art.  78.  No  law  shall  be  bind- 
ing unless  it  has  been  solemnly 
promulgated. 

In  order  to  give  binding  force 
to  a  law  of  permanent  character  a 
lapse  of  twelve  days  after  its  pro- 
mulgation shall  be  required.  The 
provisions  of  the  present  article 
are  not  applicable  to  the  laws 
making  appointments  or  declaring 
the  result  of  elections. 


278 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


Art.  79.  Siempre  que  un  pro- 
yecto  de  le}'  que  no  proceda  de 
iniciativa  de  la  Corte  de  Justicia, 
tenga  por  objeto  reformar  6  de- 
rogar  cualquiera  de  las  disposi- 
ciones  contenidas  en  los  Codigos 
de  la  Republica,  no  podra  discu- 
tirse  sin  oir  la  opinion  de  aquel 
Supremo  Poder,  quien  la  emitira 
durante  las  mismas  sesiones  6  en 
las  del  ano  siguiente,  segun  la  im- 
portancia,  urgencia  6  extension 
del  proyecto.  Esta  disposicion  no 
comprende  las  le}Tes  del  orden  po- 
litico, economico  6  administrativo. 

tItulo  vii. 

DEL  PODER  EJECUTIVO. 

Art.  80.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo 
sera  ejercido  por  un  ciudadano  que 
recibira  el  titulo  de  Presidente  de 
la  Republica,  con  los  respectivos 
Ministros.  Sera  nombrado  por  el 
pueblo  salvadoreno;  pero  cuando 
no  resulte  electo  por  mayoria  abso- 
luta  de  votos,  la  Asamblea  lo  ele- 
gira  por  votacion  publica  entre  los 
tres  ciudadanos  que  hay  an  obte- 
nido  mayor  numero  de  sufragios. 


Art.  81.  Habra  un  Vice-Presi- 
dente,  electo  del  mismo  modo  y 
forma  que  el  Presidente,  que  llene 
las  faltas  de  este  en  caso  de  muerte, 
renuncia,  remocion  6  cualquier 
otro  impedimento.  En  def ecto  del 
Vice-Presidente  entrara  a  ejercer 
el  Poder  Ejecutivo  uno  de  los 
Designados  por  el  orden  de  su 
nombramiento.  Si  el  Poder  Legis- 
lative estuviere  reunido  y  hubiere 
caducado  el  nombramiento  de  los 
Designados,  corresponde  a  este 
proveer  la  vacante. 


Art.  82.  La  duracion  del  perio- 
do  presidencial  serade  cuatro  anos; 
V  el  ciudadano  que  hubiere  ejercido 
la  Presidencia  en  propiedad,  no 
podra  ser  reelecto,  ni  electo  Vice- 
Presidente,  sino  despues  de  haber 


Art.  79.  Bills  not  introduced  by 
the  supreme  court  of  justice,  deal- 
ing with  matters  tending  to  re- 
form or  repeal  any  provision  con- 
tained in  the  codes  of  the  Republic, 
shall  not  be  discussed  without 
hearing  the  opinion  of  the  said 
court,  and  this  opinion  shall  be 
given  either  during  the  same  ses- 
sion of  the  Assembly  or  in  the 
following  year,  as  the  importance, 
urgenc}',  or  length  of  the  bill  may 
demand.  This  provision  is  not 
applicable  to  laws  of  political,  eco- 
nomical, or  Executive  order. 

TITLE  VII. 

THE  EXECUTIVE  POWER. 

Art.  80.  The  Executive  power 
shall  be  vested  in  a  citizen  who 
shall  have  the  title  of  President  of 
the  Republic,  and  shall  be  assisted 
by  the  respective  Ministers.  He 
shall  be  elected  by  the  Salvadorean 
people;  but  when  not  elected  by 
an  absolute  majority  of  votes,  he 
shall  be  elected  by  nominal  vote  of 
the  Assembly,  which  shall  choose 
him  out  of  the  three  citizens  who 
have  obtained  the  largest  number 
of  votes. 

Art.  81.  There  shall  be  a  Vice- 
president  elected  in  the  same  man- 
ner and  form  as  the  President,  and 
he  shall  till  the  latter's  place  in  case 
of  death,  resignation,  removal,  or 
any  other  impediment.  If  there 
is  no  Vice-president  the  Executive 
power  shall  devolve  on  one  of  the 
three  designados  in  the  order  in 
which  they  were  appointed.  If 
the  legislative  power  is  in  session 
and  the  appointment  of  the  said 
designados  has  become  inopera- 
tive, the  Assembly  shall  make  the 
election. 

Art.  82.  The  term  of  office  of 
the  President  shall  be  four  j^ears. 
A  citizen  who  has  been  President 
of  the  Republic  shall  not  be  re- 
elected or  elected  Vice-president 
until  after  the  expiration  of  a  sec- 


CONSTITUTION. 


279 


trascurrido  igual  periodo,  que  co- 
menzara  y  concluira  el  primero  de 
Marzo  del  ano  de  la  renovacion, 
sin  poder  funcionar  un  dia  mas. 


Tampoco  podrti  ser  electo  Presi- 
dente  para  el  siguiente  periodo,  el 
ciudadano  que  hubiere  ejercido  la 
Presidencia  constitucional  dentro 
de  los  ultimos  seis  meses  del  tiem- 
po  senalado  en  el  inciso  anterior. 

Art.  83.  Para  ser  Presidente  6 
Vice-Presidente  de  la  Republica, 
se  requiere  ser  salvadoreno  por 
nacimiento,  del  estado  seglar, 
mayor  de  treinta  anos  de  edad, 
estar  en  el  ejercicio  de  los  dere- 
chos  de  ciudadano,  sin  haberlos 
perdido  en  los  cinco  anos  ante- 
riores  a  la  eleccion,  y  ser  de  hon- 
radez  e  instruccion  notorias. 

Art.  84.  El  ciudadano  que  ejerza 
la  Presidencia  de  la  Republica  sera 
Comandante  General  del  Ejercito. 

Art.  85.  Para  el  despacho  de  los 
negocios  publicos,  habra  a  lo  mas 
cuatro  Ministros  de  Estado,  entre 
los  cuales  distribuira  el  Presidente 
de  la  Republica,  como  le  parezca 
conveniente,  los  diferentes  ramos 
de  la  Administracion. 

Art.  86.  Para  ser  Ministro  de 
Estado,  se  requiere:  ser  originario 
y  vecino  de  la  Republica,  mayor 
de  veinticinco  anos,  de  notoria 
moralidad  y  aptitudes,  no  haber 
perdido  los  derechos  de  ciudadano 
cinco  anos  antes  de  su  nombra- 
miento  y  no  ser  contratista  de 
obras  6  servicios  publicos,  6  tener 
reclamaciones  pendientes  de  inte- 
res  propio. 

Tambien  pueden  ser  Ministros 
los  ciudadanos  originarios  de  las 
otras  Republicas  de  Centro- Ame- 
rica que  reunan  las  dernas  cuali- 
dades  prescritas  en  el  inciso  ante- 
rior, y  cinco  anos  de  residencia  en 
el  Salvador.  El  empleo  de  Minis- 
tro es  incompatible  con  cualquiera 
otro. 


ond  period  of  four  years.  The 
presidential  term  shall  begin  and 
end  on  the  first  of  March  of  the 
respective  year.  The  President 
shall  not  have  power  to  act  one 
day  longer. 

The  citizen  who  has  acted  as  con- 
stitutional President  during  the 
last  six  months  of  the  period  men- 
tioned in  the  preceding  clause  shall 
not  be  elected  to  be  President  for 
the  following  period. 

Art.  83.  To  be  President  or 
Vice-president  of  the  Republic  it 
is  required  to  be  a  Salvadorean  by 
birth,  not  belonging  to  the  eccle- 
siastical state,  over  thirty  years 
of  age,  in  full  possession  of  the 
rights  of  citizenship,  without  hav- 
ing lost  them  in  the  five  years  pre- 
ceding the  election,  and  of  well- 
known  honesty  and  learning. 

Art.  84.  The  citizen  who  fills 
the  position  of  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  be  also  the  Com- 
mander in  chief  of  the  army. 

Art.  85.  For  the  transaction  of 
public  business  there  shall  be  at 
the  most  four  Ministers  of  state, 
whom  the  President  of  the  Re- 
public shall,  at  his  discretion,  place 
at  the  head  of  the  different  branches 
of  the  Government. 

Art.  86.  To  be  a  Minister  of 
State,  it  is  required  to  be  a  native 
and  a  resident  of  the  Republic, 
over  twentj^-five  years  of  age,  of 
well-known  honesty  and  ability, 
in  possession  of  his  rights  of  citi- 
zenship, without  having  lost  them 
during  the  period  of  five  years 
previous  to  his  appointment,  not 
a  contractor  of  public  works  or 
services,  and  not  a  claimant  in  his 
own  name  against  the  Government. 

Citizens  of  the  other  Republics 
of  Central  America  having  the 
qualifications  set  forth  in  the  fore- 
going paragraph,  who  have  been 
residents  of  Salvador  during  five 
years,  may  also  be  appointed  Min- 
isters. The  position  of  Minister 
of  state  is  incompatible  with  all 
others. 


280 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


Art.  87.  Los  decretos,  acuerdos, 
ordenes  y  providencias  del  Presi- 
dente  de  la  Republica,  deben  ser 
autorizados  y  comunicados  por  los 
Ministros  en  sus  respectivos  ramos, 
y  en  su  def ecto  por  los  Sub-Secre- 
tarios  de  Estado,  cmienes  tendran 
las  misinas  condiciones  que  aque- 
llos.  Sin  estos  requisitos  no  seran 
obedecidos. 

Art.  88.  Los  Ministros  concu- 
rring siempre  que  se  les  llame,  a 
las  sesiones  de  la  Asamblea,  y  con- 
testaran  a  las  interpelaciones  que 
se  les  hicieren;  pero  deberan  re- 
tirarse  antes  de  toda  votacion. 

Art.  89.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  y  sus  Ministros  6  Sub- 
Secretarios  son  responsables  soli- 
dariamente  por  los  actos  que  auto- 
rizen.  Los  Ministros  y  Sub-Sec- 
retarios  no  quedan  exiraidos  de 
responsabilidad  aunque  hayan  sal- 
vado  su  voto. 

Art.  90.  Son  deberes  del  Poder 
Ejecutivo: 

1.  Mantener  ilesa  la  soberania 
e  independencia  de  la  Republica  y 
la  integridad  de  su  territorio. 

2.  Conservar  la  paz  y  tranquili- 
dad  interior. 

3.  Publicar  la  ley  y  hacerla 
ejecutar. 

4.  Presentar  por  conducto  de 
sus  Ministros  al  Cuerpo  Legisla- 
tive, dentro  de  los  ocho  dias  sub- 
siguientes  a  la  apertura  de  las 
sesiones  ordinarias,  relacion  cir- 
cunstanciaday  cuentadocumentada 
de  la  admistracion  publica  en  el 
ano  trascurrido,  y  el  presupuesto 
de  gastos  del  ano  venidero,  indi- 
cando  los  medios  de  llenarlos.  Si 
dentro  del  termino  expresado  no 
se  cumpliere  con  esta  obligaeion, 
quedara  por  el  mismo  hecno  sus- 
penso  en  sus  funciones  el  Ministro 
que  no  lo  verifique,  lo  que  sera 
notificado  al  Ejecutivo  inmediata- 
mente,  para  que  en  los  ocho  dias 
siguientes  presente  por  medio  del 
Ministro  que  nombre  al  efecto,  la 


Art.  87.  All  decrees,  decisions, 
orders,  and  rules  made  by  the 
President  of  the  Republic  shall  be 
authorized  and  communicated  by 
the  respective  Ministers  or,  in  their 
absence,  by  the  Assistant  Secre- 
taries, who  shall  have  the  same 
qualifications  as  the  Ministers. 
Acts  not  authorized  and  communi- 
cated in  this  way  shall  not  be 
obeyed. 

Art.  88.  The  Ministers  shall  at- 
tend the  sessions  of  the  Assembly 
whenever  they  may  be  called  to  do 
so,  and  they  shall  answer  the  in- 
terpellations which  may  be  made 
to  them;  but  they  shall  withdraw 
before  the  vote  is  taken. 

Art.  89.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  and  his  Ministers  or  As- 
sistant Secretaries  are  jointly  re- 
sponsible for  the  acts  authorized 
by  them.  The  Ministers  and  As- 
sistant Secretaries  shall  not  be 
exempted  from  responsibility  by 
saving  their  votes. 

Art.  90.  The  duties  of  the  Ex- 
ecutive power  are  as  follows: 

1.  To  maintain  the  sovereignty 
and  independence  of  the  Republic 
and  the  integrity  of  its  territory. 

2.  To  preserve  peace  in  the 
Republic. 

3.  To  publish  the  laws  and  cause 
them  to  be  enforced. 

4.  To  submit  to  the  Legislative 
Bod}'  through  the  respective  Min- 
isters, within  eight  days  subse- 
quent to  the  opening  of  its  session, 
a  full  report  of  the  acts  of  the 
Government  and  an  account,  with 
the  proper  vouchers  of  the  public 
expenses  during  the  last  year,  and 
also  an  estimate  of  the  expenses  for 
the  following  year,  together  with 
the  proper  suggestions  as  to  the 
manner  of  meeting  said  expenses. 
If,  within  the  period  just  named, 
the  respective  Minister  has  notcom- 
plied  with  the  duty  herein  referred 
to,  the  said  Minister  shall  become, 
by  the  same  act,  suspended  from  his 
office,  and  the  Executive  shall  be 
notified  immediately,  in  order  that 


CONSTITUTION. 


281 


meinoria  y  presupuesto  referidos, 
y  si  no  lo  veriticare  quedara  sus- 
penso  el  Presidente  de  la  Repu- 
blica,  asumiendo  el  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo  la  persona  llamada  segiin  esta 
Constitucion,  quien  dentro  de 
veinte  dias  cumplira  con  aquel  de- 
ber.  En  estecaso  el  Poder  Legisla- 
tive podra  prorrogar  sus  sesiones 
por  igual  termino. 


5.  Dar  a  la  Asamblea  los  in- 
formes  que  le  pida;  pero  si  fueren 
sobre  asuntos  de  reserva,  lo  expon- 
dra  asi:  mas  si  aquella  estimare 
necesaria  su  manifestacion,  estara 
obligado  a  darlos,  a  no  ser  que  se 
trate  de  planes  de  guerra  6  negocia- 
ciones  politieas,  cuj^o  secreto  sea 
indispensable;  pero  en  el  caso  de 
que  los  inf ormes  sean  precisos  para 
exigirle  la  responsabilidad,  no  po- 
dra rehusarlos  por  ningiin  motivo, 
ni  reservarse  los  documentos  des- 
pues  de  haber  sido  acusado  ante  la 
Asamblea. 


6.  Dar  a  los  f  uncionarios  piibli- 
cos  del  Poder  Judicial  los  auxilios 
que  necesiten  para  hacer  efectivas 
sus  providencias. 

Art.  91.  Son  facultades  del  Po- 
der Ejecutivo: 

1.  Nombrar,  remover  y  admi- 
tir  sus  renuncias  a  los  Ministros 
de  Estado,  a  los  Gobernadores  de 
Departamento,  a  los  empleados  del 
Ejercito  y  a  todos  los  del  ramo  ad- 
min istrativo,  con  excepcion  de 
aquel  los  cuyo  nombramiento  este 
reservado  a  otra  autoridad  6  que 
sean  de  eleccion  popular. 

2.  Organizar  el  Ejercito  de  la 
Republica  y  conferir  grados  de 
Capitan  inclusive  abajo. 

3.  Dirigir  las  relaciones  exte- 
riores,  nombrar  y  remover  a  los 


it  may,  within  the  next  eight  dajTs 
and  through  another  Minister,  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose,  submit 
the  report  and  estimates  above 
named;  and  if  this  is  not  done  the 
President  of  the  Republic  shall 
also  be  suspended,  and  replaced  by 
the  person  called  upon  to  do  so 
by  the  present  Constitution,  and 
said  person  shall  then  submit  the 
report  and  estimates  within  twenty 
days.  In  this  case  the  Legislative 
Power  may  extend  the  time  of 
their  sessions  for  the  same  period. 

5.  To  give  the  Assembly  what- 
ever information  may  be  asked 
for;  but  if  this  information  re- 
lates to  confidential  matters,  the 
fact  shall  be  set  forth.  If  the 
Assembly,  in  spite  of  this,  deems 
it  necessary  to  have  it,  the  Exec- 
utive power  shall  be  bound  to  fur- 
nish it,  except  when  it  relates  to 
plans  of  war  or  to  political  nego- 
tiations in  which  secrecy  is  indis- 
pensable. But  if  the  required  in- 
formation is  to  be  used  for  the 
purpose  of  impeaching  the  Execu- 
tive, the  latter  can  not  refuse  it  on 
any  grounds.  Neither  shall  it 
withhold  any  document  after  its 
impeachment  before  the  Assem- 
bly. 

6.  To  give  the  functionaries  of 
the  judicial  power  all  the  assist- 
ance necessary  to  enforce  their 
decisions. 

Art.  91.  The  faculties  of  the 
Execu  ti  ve  power  are  the  follow  ing : 

1.  To  appoint,  remove,  and  ac- 
cept resignations  of  Ministers  of 
State,  Governors  of  the  Depart- 
ments, officers  of  the  army,  and  all 
the  executive  officers  whose  ap- 
pointment is  not  reserved  to  some 
other  authority,  or  is  not  made 
through  election  by  the  people. 

2.  To  organize  the  army  of  the 
Republic,  and  to  grant  military 
positions  up  to  and  including  the 
position  of  captain. 

3.  To  conduct  the  foreign  rela- 
tions of  the  Republic,  to  appoint 


282 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


Ministros  y  a  cualquiera  otra  clase 
de  Agentes  diplomaticos  y  consu- 
lares,  y  recibir  a  los  Ministros  de 
otras  naciones. 

4.  Convoear  extraordinaria- 
mente  en  Consejo  de  Ministros,  al 
Poder  Legislativo,  cuando  los 
grandes  intereses  de  la  Nacion  lo 
demanden,  llamando  en  tal  caso  a 
los  suplentes  de  los  Diputados  que 
hubieren  fallecido  6  estuviesen  le- 
galmente  impedidos. 

5.  Senalar  antes  de  la  instalcion 
del  Poder  Legislativo,  el  lugar 
donde  deba  reunirse,  cuando  en  el 
designado  por  la  ley,  no  hubiese 
suficiente  seguridad  6  libertad  para 
deliberar. 

6.  Dirigir  la  guerra  y  hacer  la 
paz,  sometiendo  inmediatamente 
el  tratado  que  celebre  con  este  fin 
a  la  ratificacion  del  Poder  Legisla- 
tivo. 

7.  Celebrar  tratados  y  cuales- 
quiera  otras  negociaciones  diplo- 
maticas,  sometiendolas  a  la  ratifi- 
cacion de  la  Legislatura. 

8.  Llamar  al  servicio  la  f uerza 
necesaria,  ademas  de  la  permanen- 
te,  para  repeler  invasiones  y  sofo- 
car  rebeliones. 

9.  Habilitar  y  cerrar  puertos, 
establecer  aduanas  niaritimas  y 
terrestres,  nacionalizar  y  matricu- 
lar  buques. 

10.  Conmutar  penas,  previo  in- 
f orme  y  dictamen  f avorables  de  la 
Corte  Supreina  de  Justicia. 

11.  Devolver  con  observaciones 
los  proyectos  de  ley  que  se  le  pasen 
por  el  Poder  Legislativo  de  con- 
iormidad  con  el  articulo  72  de  esta 
Constitution. 

12.  Expedir  reglamentos,  de- 
cretos  y  ordenes  para  facilitar  y 
asegurar  la  ejecucion  de  las  leyes, 
y  decretar  su  reglamento  interior. 


and  remove  the  diplomatic  Minis- 
ters and  agents  of  all  classes,  and 
the  Consuls  and  Consular  agents, 
and  to  receive  the  Ministers  of 
other  nations. 

4.  To  call,  with  the  advice  of  the 
Council  of  Ministers,  an  extra  ses- 
sion of  the  Assembly,  whenever 
public  necessity  may  demand  it, 
and  in  this  case  the  substitues  shall 
be  called  to  replace  any  Deputies 
who  may  have  died  or  are  legally 
unable  to  attend. 

5.  To  designate  before  the  meet- 
ing of  the  Legislative  Power  the 
place  where  the  meetings  shall  be 
held,  if  the  place  designated  by 
law  for  this  purpose  does  not  offer 
the  conditions  of  safety  or  free- 
dom of  action  which  are  required. 

6.  To  conduct  the  operations  of 
war  and  make  peace,  submitting 
immediately  to  the  ratification  of 
the  Legislative  Power  any  treaty 
made  for  this  purpose. 

7.  To  conclude  treaties  and  all 
other  diplomatic  negotiations  and 
submit  them  to  the  ratification  of 
the  Assembly. 

8.  To  call  to  the  service  in  addi- 
tion to  the  standing  army  such 
forces  as  may  be  required  to  repel 
invasion  or  put  down  rebellion. 

9.  To  establish  or  close  ports  of 
entry,  to  establish  custom-houses, 
and  to  nationalize  and  register 
vessels. 

10.  To  grant  upon  report  and 
favorable  recommendation  of  the 
supreme  court  of  justice  commu- 
tations of  sentences. 

11.  To  return,  with  objections 
thereto,  in  pursuance  of  article  72 
of  the  present  Constitution,  any 
bill  passed  by  the  Assembly. 

12.  To  make  rules  and  regula- 
tions and  issue  decrees  and  orders 
for  the  purpose  of  facilitating  and 
securing  the  execution  of  the 
laws,  and  also  for  its  interior  gov- 
ernment. 


CONSTITUTION. 


283 


13.  Fomentar  la  instruction  pu- 
blica  en  todos  los  ranios  del  saber 
humano,  decretando  estatutos  y 
adoptando  metodos  adecuados. 

14.  Decretar  la  apertura  }r  me- 
joranriento  de  las  vias  de  comu- 
nicacion;  pero  las  contratas  que 
celebre  para  la  construction  de 
muelles,  caminos  de  hierro  y  aper- 
tura de  canales,  no  tendran  efecto 
mientras  no  sean  aprobadas  por  el 
Poder  Legislative 

15.  Durante  el  receso  del  Poder 
Legislativo,  rehabilitar  a  los  que 
hubiesen  perdido  los  derechos  de 
ciudadano;  pero  en  ningun  caso 
podra  hacerlo  respecto  de  los  em- 

Eleados  de  su  nombramiento  que 
ubiesen  perdido  los  derechos  de 
ciudadania,  a  consecuencia  de  un 
delito  cometido  en  el  ejercicio  de 
sus  f  unciones. 

16.  Decretar  en  Consejo  de  Mi- 
nistros  el  estado  de  sitio  durante 
el  receso  del  Poder  Legislativo, 
debiendo  dar  cuenta  a  este  en  su 
proxima  reunion  de  las  causas  que 
lo  motivaron  y  de  los  actos  que 
hubiere  ejecutado,  haciendo  uso  de 
las  facultades  que  las  le}7es  le  con- 
tieren.  La  prolongation  indebida 
del  estado  de  sitio,  constituye  delito 
de  lesa  Nation. 

17.  Usar  de  las  atribuciones  27 
y  28  del  Poder  Legislativo  en  re- 
ceso de  este,  y  con  obligation  de 
darle  cuenta  en  su  proxima  reunion. 


Art.  92.  Se  prohibe  al  Presi- 
dente  salir  del  territorio  de  la  Re- 
publica  sin  licencia  del  Poder 
Legislativo,  a  menos  que  lo  exijan 
las  necesidades  de  la  guerra;  pero 
en  uno  y  otro  caso,  depositara  el 
mando  supremo  en  la  persona  de- 
signada  por  la  ley. 

Art.  93.  Todos  los  decretos, 
ordenes  6  resoluciones  que  el  Poder 


13.  To  promote  public  instruc- 
tion in  all  the  branches  of  human 
knowledge  b}T  making  proper 
provisions  and  adopting  adequate 
methods. 

14.  To  decree  the  construction 
and  improvement  of  roads  and 
other  wajs  of  communication;  but 
the  contracts  made  for  the  con- 
struction of  wharves,  railroads, 
and  canals  shall  have  no  effect  un- 
til they  are  approved  by  the  legis- 
lative power. 

15.  To  restore,  during  the  re- 
cess of  the  legislative  power,  the 
rights  of  citizenship  to  those  who 
have  lost  them;  except  in  case  that 
the  latter  are  executive  employees 
who  lost  the  rights  of  citizenship 
in  consequence  of  an  offense  com- 
mitted in  the  exercise  of  their 
functions. 

16.  To  declare,  with  the  advice 
of  the  Council  of  Ministers,  during 
the  recess  of  the  Legislative  Power, 
a  state  of  siege,  provided  that  this 
fact  be  reported  to  the  Legislative 
Power  at  its  next  meeting,  with  an 
explanation  of  the  causes  and  of 
the  acts  done  in  the  exercise  of  the 
faculties  granted  by  law  in  such 
cases.  The  undue  continuation 
of  a  state  of  siege  constitutes  an 
offense  against  the  nation. 

17.  To  use,  during  the  recess  of 
the  Assembly,  the  powers  given  to 
the  latter  in  clauses  27  and  28  of 
article  68  of  the  present  Constitu- 
tion. But  the  fact  shall  be  re- 
ported to  the  Assembly  at  its  next 
session. 

Art.  92.  The  President  is  for- 
bidden to  leave  the  territory  of  the 
Republic  without  permission  of 
the  Legislative  Power,  unless  when 
compelled  to  do  so  by  the  necessi- 
ties of  war;  but  in  either  case  he 
shall  have  to  turn  the  Presidency 
over  to  the  person  designated  by 
law. 

Art.  93.  All  decrees,  orders, 
and  decisions  made  by  the  Execu- 


284 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


Ejecutivo  emitiere,  traspasando  las 
facultades  que  esta  Constitucion 
establece,  seran  nulos  y  no  deberan 
ser  obedecidos,  aunque  se  den  a, 
reserva  de  someterlos  a  la  apro- 
bacion  del  Cuerpo  Legislative 

TITULO  VIII. 

DEL  PODER  JUDICIAL. 

Art.  94.  El  Poder  Judicial  sera 
ejercido  por  una  Corte  Suprema 
de  Justicia,  Camaras  de  tercera  y 
segunda  instancia  y  demas  Tribu- 
nales  y  Jueces  inferiores  que  es- 
tablece  esta  Constitucion. 

Art.  95.  En  la  capital  de  la 
Republica  habra  una  Camara  de 
tercera  instancia  compuesta  de 
tres  Magistrados,  y  dos  Camaras  de 
segunda  instancia  compuesta  cada 
una  de  dos.  La  Camara  de  ter- 
cera instancia  sera  presidida  por 
el  Magistrado  Presidente,  y  las 
otras  por  el  primer  Magistrado 
electo  para  cada  una  de  ellas.  Es- 
tas  tres  Camaras  reunidas,  bajo  la 
direccion  del  Presidente,  f  ormaran 
la  Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia.  En 
este  Tribunal  basta  la  mayoria  de 
votos  de  los  Magistrados  que  lo 
componen  para  que  hay  a  resolu- 
cion,  3r  en  caso  de  empate  decidira 
el  voto  del  Presidente.  Las  fun- 
ciones  del  Presidente  de  la  Su- 
prema Corte  de  Justicia,  son:  pre- 
sidir  las  sesiones  de  este  Tribunal, 
llevar  la  sustanciacion  de  los  asun- 
tos  de  la  competencia  del  mismo, 
y  ejercer  las  demas  atribuciones 
que  determina  la  ley  organica  res- 
pectiva.  En  defecto  6  impedi- 
ment© del  Presidente,  ejerceran 
las  f  unciones  de  tal  los  Magistrados 
por  el  orden  de  sus  nombramien- 
tos.  El  primer  Magistrado  6  en 
su  defecto  el  segundo,  llevara  la 
substanciacion  de  los  asuntos  de 
tercera  instancia. 

Art.  96.  Se  establece  una  Ca- 
mara de  segunda  instancia  com- 


tive  Power  in  excess  of  the  faculties 
given  it  by  the  present  Consti- 
tution shall  be  null  and  shall  not 
be  obeyed  even  if  issued  with  the 
intention  so  expressed  of  submit- 
ting them  thereafter  to  the  Legis- 
lative Power  for  approval. 

TITLE  Vril. 
THE  JUDICIAL  POWER. 

Art.  94.  The  judicial  power 
shall  be  vested  in  a  supreme  court 
of  justice,  in  chambers  of  third 
and  second  instances,  and  in  all 
other  inferior  courts  and  tribunals 
established  by  the  present  Consti- 
tution. 

Art.  95.  There  shall  be  in  the 
capital  of  the  Republic  a  chamber 
of  third  instance,  consisting  of 
three  justices,  and  there  shall  be 
also  two  chambers  of  second  in- 
stance, consisting  each  of  two  jus- 
tices. The  chamber  of  third  in- 
stance shall  be  presided  over  by  a 
chief  justice,  and  the  other  two 
chambers  by  the  justice  first  elect- 
ed for  them.  These  three  cham- 
bers, united  and  presided  over  by 
the  chief  justice,  shall  form  the 
supreme  court  of  justice.  In  this 
tribunal  a  majority  of  votes  shall 
be  sufficient  to  make  a  valid  deci- 
sion, and  in  case  of  a  tie  vote  the 
chief  justice  shall  decide.  The 
functions  of  the  chief  justice  are: 
To  preside  over  the  sessions  of  the 
tribunal,  to  conduct  the  proceed 
ings  in  the  cases  subject  to  its  ju- 
risdiction, and  to  exercise  all  other 
powers  set  forth  on  the  subject  in 
the  organic  law.  In  the  absence 
or  inability  of  the  chief  justice, 
his  position  shall  be  filled  by  the 
justices  in  the  order  of  their  ap- 
pointment. In  the  cases  pending 
in  the  third  instance,  the  proceed- 
ings shall  be  conducted  by  the  first 
justice,  and  in  his  absence  by  the 
second. 

Art.  96.  Chambers  of  second 
instance,  consisting  of  two  justices, 


CONSTITUTION. 


285 


puesta  de  dos  Magistrados,  en  la 
ciudad  de  San  Miguel,  otra  en  la 
ciudad  de  Santa  Ana,  y  otra  en  la 
de  Cojutepeque.  El  primer  Ma- 
gistrado  electo  para  cada  una  de 
ellas,  ejercera  las  funciones  de 
Presidente. 

Cuando  el  Poder  Legislative)  lo 
crea  conveniente,  traslaaara  una 
de  las  Camaras  de  segunda  instan- 
cia  de  la  capital  al  Departamento 
de  San  Vicente. 

Art.  97.  Habra  diez  Magistra- 
dos suplentes,  cuatro  para  las  Ca- 
maras de  la  capital,  y  dos  para 
cada  una  de  las  otras,  quienes  en- 
traran  indistintamente  a  ejercer 
las  funciones,  cuando  sean  llama- 
dos  segun  la  ley. 

Art.  98.  Para  ser  Magistrado 
piopietario  6  suplente,  se  requiere: 

1.  Ser  natural  de  la  Republica 
6  centro  -  americano  naturalizado 
en  ella. 

2.  Estar  en  el  ejercicio  de  la 
ciudadania  sin  haberla  perdido  en 
los  cinco  anos  anteriores  a  su  elec- 
cion. 

3.  Ser  mayor  de  treinta  anos. 

4.  Ser  abogado  de  la  Republica. 

5.  Tener  instruccion  y  morali- 
dad  notorias. 

6.  Haber  ejercido  en  El  Salva- 
dor por  cuatro  anos  la  profesion 
de  abogado,  6  servido  por  dos  una 
Judicatura  de  primera  instancia 
en  la  Republica. 

No  obstante  lo  establecido  en  el 
no.  1,  los  extranjeros  naturaliza- 
dos  en  El  Salvador  podran  ser  Ma- 
gistrados con  tal  que  hubiesen  he- 
cho  su  carrera  de  abogado  en  la 
Republica  y  reunan  las  demas  con- 
diciones  establecidas  en  este  arti- 
culo. 

Art.  99.  No  podran  ser  Magis- 
trados de  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia  6  de  una  misma  Camara, 
los  parientes   dentro  del    cuarto 


shall  be  established,  one  in  the  city 
of  San  Miguel,  one  in  the  city  of 
Santa  Ana,  and  one  in  the  city  of 
Cojutepeque.  The  justice  first 
elected  for  each  one  of  these  cham- 
bers shall  act  as  president  thereof. 
If  the  legislative  power  may  deem 
it  advisable,  one  of  the  cham- 
bers of  second  instance  sitting  at 
the  capital  shall  be  transferred 
to  the  Department  of  San  Vicente. 

Art.  97.  There  shall  be  ten  sub- 
stitute justices,  four  to  serve  in 
the  chambers  of  the  capital  and 
two  in  each  one  of  the  other  cham- 
bers, and  the}7  shall  enter  on  the 
exercise  of  their  functions  indis- 
criminately whenever  they  may  be 
called  to  do  so  under  the  law. 

Art.  98.  To  be  a  justice  or  a 
substitute  the  following  qualifica- 
tions are  required: 

1.  To  be  a  native-born  citizen  of 
the  Republic,  or  a  Central  Ameri- 
can naturalized  in  it. 

2.  To  be  in  the  full  enjoyment 
of  the  rights  of  citizenship  without 
having  lost  the  same  during  the 
five  years  preceding  the  election. 

3.  To  be  over  thirty  years  of 
age. 

4.  To  be  a  law}7er  of  the  Repub- 
lic. 

5.  To  be  a  person  of  well-known 
learning  and  honesty. 

6.  To  have  practiced  law  for 
four  years  in  Salvador  or  served 
as  a  judge  of  first  instance  in  the 
Republic  for  two  years. 

Notwithstanding  the  provision 
contained  in  clause  1  of  this  arti- 
cle, aliens  naturalized  in  Salvador 
may  be  appointed  justices,  if  they 
have  studied  law  in  the  Republic 
and  have  all  the  other  qualifica- 
tions required  by  this  article. 

Art.  99.  No  one  shall  be  a  justice 
of  the  supreme  court  or  of  any  in- 
dividual chamber,  if  he  is  a  relative 
within  the  fourth  civil  degree  of 


286 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


grado  civil  de  consanguinidad  le- 
gitima  6  ilegitima,  6  segundo  de 
afinidad  legitima. 


Art.  100.  Los  Magistrados  pro- 
pietarios  6  suplentes  duraran  dos 
anos  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus  funcio- 
nes,  pudiendo  ser  reelectos. 

Art.  101.  La  Camara  de  tercera 
instancia  conocera  de  todos  los 
asuntos  que  fueren  de  su  compe- 
tencia,  segun  la  ley. 

Las  Camaras  de  segunda  ins- 
tancia conoceran,  en  apelacion, 
de  todos  los  asuntos  civiles  y  crimi- 
nates sentenciados  por  los  Jueces 
de  primera  instancia,  y  de  los 
demas  que  fueren  de  su  compe- 
tencia,  circunscribiendose  su  juris- 
diccion  en  esta  forma:  la  de  la  sec- 
cion de  Occidente,  a  los  Departa- 
mentos  de  Santa  Ana,  Sonsonate 
y  Ahuachapan;  la  de  la  seccion 
primera  del  Centro,  a  los  Departa- 
mentos  de  San  Salvador  y  Chala- 
tenango;  la  de  la  segunda,  a  los 
Departamentos  de  La  Libertad  y 
La  Paz;  la  de  la  tercera  a  los  De- 
partamentos deCuscatlan,  Cabanas 
y  San  Vicente;  y  la  de  la  seccion 
de  Oriente,  a,  los  Departamentos 
de  San  Miguel,  Gotera,  La  Union 
y  Usulutan. 


En  el  caso  de  establecerse  nuevos 
Departamentos  6  distritos,  el 
Poaer  Legislativo  determinant  las 
jurisdicciones  a  que  deban  estar 
sujetos. 

Art.  102.  Son  atribuciones  de 
la  Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia: 

1.  Formar  su  Reglamento  inte- 
rior y  el  de  las  Camaras  de  segunda 
y  tercera  instancia. 

2.  Nombrar  al  Juez  de  Ha- 
cienda, Jueces  de  primera  instan- 
cia, Fiscal  de  la  Corte,  Fiscales 
del  Jurado,  Procuradores  de  pobres 
de  la  capital  y  subalternos  de  su 


consanguinity,  whether  legitimate 
or  illegitimate,  or  the  second  de- 
gree of  legitimate  affinity,  of 
another  member  of  the  same  tri- 
bunal or  chamber. 

Art.  100.  The  justices  and  their 
substitutes  shall  serve  for  two 
years,  but  they  may  be  reelected. 

Art.  101.  The  chamber  of  third 
instance  shall  take  cognizance  of 
all  the  cases  which,  according  to 
law,  fall  under  its  jurisdiction. 

The  chambers  of  second  instance 
shall  take  cognizance  on  appeal  of 
all  civil  and  criminal  cases  passed 
upon  by  the  judge  of  first  instance, 
and  also  of  all  the  other  cases  fall- 
ing under  their  jurisdiction,  as  fol- 
lows: The  chamber  of  the  western 
section  shall  take  cognizance  of  the 
cases  belonging  to  the  Departments 
of  Santa  Ana,  Sonsonate,and  Ahua- 
chapan ;  that  of  the  first  division  of 
the  central  section  shall  have  the 
Departments  of  San  Salvador  and 
Chalatenango;  that  of  the  second 
division  of  the  same  section  shall 
have  the  Departments  of  La  Liber- 
tad and  La  Paz ;  that  of  the  third 
division  of  the  same  section  shall 
have-  the  Departments  of  Cuzca- 
tlan,  Cabanas,  and  San  Vicente; 
and  that  of  the  eastern  section 
shall  have  the  Departments  of 
San  Miguel,  Gotera,  La  Union, 
and  Usulutan. 

In  case  that  new  Departments  or 
districts  are  established,  the  legis- 
lative power  shall  designate  the 
court  under  whose  respective  juris- 
diction they  shall  be  placed. 

Art.  102.  The  powers  of  the 
supreme  court  are  the  following: 

1.  To  make  rules  for  its  interior 
goverment  and  for  the  government 
of  the  chambers  of  second  and 
third  instances. 

2.  To  appoint  the  judge  who 
shall  take  cognizance  of  matters 
affecting  the  treasury,  the  judges 
of  first  instance,  the  attorne}^- 
general,  the  district  attorneys,  the 


CONSTITUTION. 


287 


oficina;  conocer  de  sus  renuncias 
y  concederles  las  licencias  que 
soliciten. 


3.  Visitar  los  Tribunales  y  Juz- 
gados,  por  medio  de  un  Magis- 
trado,  para  corregir  los  abusos  que 
se  noten  en  la  administracion  de 
justicia. 

I.  Hacer  uso  del  derecho  de 
iniciativa,  manifestando  directa- 
mente  al  Poder  Legislativo  la  in- 
conveniencia  de  las  leyes  y  vacios 
que  hubiese  notado  para  su  apli- 
cacion,  indicando  las  reformas  de 
que  sean  susceptibles. 

5.  Ejercer  las  atribuciones  que 
esta  Constitucion  le  designa  en  el 
titulo  de  la  "  Responsabilidad  de 
los  funcionarios  publicos." 

6.  Practicar  el  recibimiento  de 
abogados,  suspenderlos,  con  cono- 
cimiento  de  causa,  del  ejercicio  de 
la  profesion,  y  aun  retirarles  sus 
titulos  por  venalidad,  cohecho, 
f raude  6  por  conducta  profesional 
6  privada  notoriamente  inmoral. 
Igual  facultad  podra  ejercer  res- 
pecto  de  los  escribanos  publicos 
en  lo  que  sea  aplicable. 

7.  Nombrar  conjueces  en  los 
casos  determinados  por  la  ley. 

8.  Conocer  de  las  causas  de 
presas  y  de  aquellas  que  no  esten 
reservadas  a  otra  autoridad. 

9.  Dirimir  las  competencias  que 
se  susciten  entre  los  Tribunales  y 
Jueces  de  cualquier  fuero  y  natu- 
raleza  que  sean. 

10.  Vigilar  incesantemente  por 
que  se  administre  pronta  y  cum- 
plida  justicia. 

II.  Decretar  y  hacer  efectivo  el 
recurso  de  amparo  establecido  por 
el  articulo  37  de  esta  Constitucion, 
en  los  casos  y  de  la  manera  pre- 
venida  por  la  ley. 


solicitors  for  the  poor  in  the  capi- 
tal, and  all  subaltern  officers  of  the 
court;  to  pass  upon  the  resigna- 
tions of  all  these  officers,  and  to 
grant  or  refuse  tnem  leaves  of 
absence. 

3.  To  have  one  of  its  justices 
make  visits  of  inspection  to  all  tri- 
bunals and  courts,  in  order  to  cor- 
rect any  irregularity  which  may 
be  found  to  exist  in  the  adminis- 
tration of  justice. 

4.  To  make  use  of  its  right  to 
initiate  legislation  informing  di- 
rectly to  the  legislative  power,  the 
imperfections  of  any  law,  or  the 
obstacles  which  have  prevented  the 
proper  execution  thereof,  and  sug- 
gesting the  changes  which,  in  its 
opinion,  must  be  made. 

5.  To  exercise  the  functions  en- 
trusted to  it  by  the  present  Con- 
stitution in  the  title  called  "Re- 
sponsibility of  the  public  function- 
aries." 

6.  To  admit  students  to  the 
practice  of  law,  and  to  suspend  or 
disbar  for  cause  lawyers  who  may 
be  guilty  of  fraud,  unprofessional 
behavior,  or  notorious  immoral 
conduct.  The  same  power  shall 
be  exercised  in  regard  to  the  func- 
tionaries called  escribanos  publicos, 
as  far  as  applicable. 

7.  To  appoint  associate  judges 
in  the  cases  provided  by  law. 

8.  To  take  cognizance  of  prize 
cases  and  of  all  other  cases  not 
specially  reserved  to  some  other 
authority. 

9.  To  decide  questions  of  juris- 
diction between  tribunals  or  courts 
of  all  kinds. 

10.  To  see  that  justice  is  prompt- 
ly and  faithfully  administered  at 
all  times. 

11.  To  grant  and  enforce  the 
writ  of  amparo,  established  by 
article  37  of  the  present  Constitu- 
tion, in  the  cases  and  in  the  man- 
ner provided  by  law. 


288 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


12.  Recibir  por  si,  6  por  medio 
de  los  f  uncionarios  que  aesigne,  la 
protesta  constitucional  a  los  Jueces 
de  primera  instancia  y  demas 
empleados  de  su  nombramiento, 
al  posesionarlos  de  sus  destinos;  lo 
mismo  que  a  los  conjueces  que  se 
nombren  para  formar  Camara  en 
los  casos  establecidos  por  la  ley. 

13.  Formar  v  presentar  al 
Cuerpo  Legislativo  el  presupuesto 
annual  de  los  gastos  de  la  adminis- 
tration de  Justicia. 

Las  demas  atribuciones  de  la 
Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia  las 
determinara  la  ley. 

Art.  103.  Las  atribuciones  con- 
tenidas  en  los  Nos.  9,  10,  11  y  12 
del  articulo  anterior,  son  comunes 
a  las  Camaras  de  segunda  instancia 
que  no  tengan  su  asiento  en  la 
capital,  quienes  ademas  tendran 
facultad  de  nombrar  al  Fiscal, 
Procurador  de  pobres,  Medicos 
forensesy  empleados  de  su  oficina; 
lo  mismo  que  de  recibir  las  acusa- 
ciones  y  denuncias  que  se  hagan 
contra  los  funcionarios,  respecto 
de  los  cuales  tiene  la  Suprema 
Corte  la  facultad  de  declarar  si  ha 
lugar  a  formation  de  causa,  para 
el  solo  ef  ecto  de  instruir  el  inf  orma- 
tivo  correspondiente  y  dar  cuenta 
a  aquel  Supremo  Tribunal. 


Art.  104.  La  potestad  de  juzgar 
y  de  hacer  ejecutar  lo  juzgado 
corresponde  exclusivamente  a  la 
Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia,  Ca- 
maras de  segunda  y  tercera 
instancia  y  Tribunales  inferiores. 

Art.  105.  Habra  Jueces  de 
primera  instancia  propietarios  y 
suplentes,  en  todas  las  cabeceras 
de  Departamento  para  conocer  y 
fallar  en  lo  civil  y  criminal.  La 
Suprema  Corte  de  Justicia,  de 
acuerdo  con  el  Ejecutivo,  podra 
tambien  establecerlos  en  las  de 
distrito  cuando  lo  crea  conveniente 
a  la  buena  administration  de  jus- 


12.  To  administer  either  person- 
ally or  through  a  delegate  the  con- 
stitutional affirmation  to  the  judges 
of  first  instance  and  all  other  em- 
ployees appointed  by  it;  and  also 
to  the  assistant  judges  appointed 
to  form  or  complete  a  chamber  in 
the  cases  established  by  law. 

13.  To  prepare  and  submit  to 
the  legislative  body  the  annual 
estimate  of  the  expenses  of  the 
administration  of  justice. 

All  other  powers  of  the  supreme 
court  of  justice  shall  be  established 
by  law. 

Art.  103.  The  powers  set  forth 
in  clauses  9,  10,  11,  and  12  of  the 
preceding  article  shall  belong  also 
to  the  chambers  of  second  instance 
not  sitting  in  the  capital,  and 
said  chambers  shall  have  the  fur- 
ther power  of  appointing  the  re- 
spective district  attorney,  the  so- 
licitor for  the  poor,  the  physicians 
to  serve  in  legal  cases,  and  their 
own  employees.  They  shall  also 
receive  the  accusations  made 
against  the  functionaries,  in  re- 
gard to  whom  the  supreme  court 
has  the  power  to  decide  whether 
or  not  they  shall  be  submitted  to 
trial;  but  their  action  shall  be  con- 
fined to  make  the  proper  investi- 
gation of  the  case  and  submit  the 
record  thereof  to  the  supreme 
court. 

Art.  104.  The  power  to  render 
and  enforce  judicial  decisions  be- 
longs exclusively  to  the  supreme 
court  of  justice,  the  chambers  of 
second  and  third  instances,  and  the 
inferior  courts. 

Art.  105.  Judges  of  first  in- 
stance, with  their  respective  sub- 
stitutes, empowered  to  take  cog- 
nizance of  and  give  decisions  in 
all  civil  and  criminal  cases,  shall 
be  established  in  all  the  chief 
towns  of  the  Departments.  The 
supreme  court  of  justice,  acting  in 
accord  with  the  Executive,  shall 
also  have  the  power  to  establish 


CONSTITUTION. 


289 


ticia.     Seran  nombrados  por  dos 
anos  y  podran  ser  reelectos. 


Art.  106.  Para  ser  Juez  de 
primera  instancia,  se  requiere: 
ser  ciudadano  en  ejercicio  con  ve- 
cindario  de  dos  anos  en  El  Salva- 
dor, abogado  de  la  Republica, 
mayor  de  veintifin  anos,  de  cono- 
cida  moralidad  e  instruccion  y  no 
haber  perdido  los  derechos  de  ciu- 
dadano dos  anos  antes  de  su  nom- 
bramiento. 

Art.  107.  La  Suprema  Corte 
de  Justicia,  de  acuerdo  con  el 
Ejecutivo,  podra  establecer,  cuan- 
do  sea  necesario,  en  las  cabeceras 
de  Departamento  6  de  distrito, 
Jueces  de  primera  instancia  que 
conozcan  separadamente  de  los 
asuntos  civiles  y  criminales. 

Art.  108.  Se  establece  el  Jura- 
do  de  calificacion  en  donde  hubiere 
Jueces  de  primera  instancia  para 
toda  clase  de  delitos  que  f  ueren  de 
la  competencia  de  estos.  Una  ley 
secundaria  reglamentara  dicha  ins- 
titucion. 


Art.  109.  Habra  Jueces  de  Paz 
en  todos  los  pueblos  de  la  Repu- 
blica. Su  numero,  eleccion,  cuali- 
dades  y  atribuciones  seran  deter- 
minadas  por  la  ley. 

Art.  110.  Es  incompatible  la 
calidad  de  Magistrado  y  de  Juez 
de  primera  instancia  con  la  de 
empleado  remunerado  de  los  otros 
Poderes.  Esta  disposicion  no 
comprende  a  los  suplentes,  cuando 
no  esten  ejerciendo  sus  funciones; 
pero  si  aceptaren  algiin  empleo, 
incompatible  con  estas,  caducara 
por  el  mismo  hecho  el  nombra- 
miento  de  suplente. 


these  courts  of  first  instance  in  the 
chief  towns  of  the  districts,  if  so 
deemed  advisable  to  facilitate  the 
good  administration  of  justice. 
The  judges  of  first  instance  shall 
be  appointed  for  two  years  and 
may  be  reelected. 

Art.  106.  To  be  a  judge  of  first 
instance  it  shall  be  required:  To 
be  a  citizen  in  the  full  exercise  of 
the  rights  of  citizenship,  a  resident 
of  Salvador  for  two  years,  a  lawyer 
of  the  Republic,  over  twenty -one 
years  of  age,  a  man  of  well-known 
honesty  and  learning,  and  not  to 
have  lost  the  rights  of  citizenship 
during  the  two  }Tears  preceding 
the  appointment. 

Art.  107.  The  supreme  court  of 
justice,  acting  in  accord  with  the 
Executive,  shall  establish,  when- 
ever deemed  necessary,  in  the 
chief  towns  of  the  Departments 
or  of  the  districts,  judges  of  first 
instance,  who  separately  shall  take 
cognizance  of  civil  and  criminal 
cases. 

Art.  108.  A  jury  shall  be  estab- 
lished in  all  places  having  a  judge 
of  first  instance,  and  said  jury  shall 
be  called  to  convene  in  all  cases  of 
criminal  offenses  which,  according 
to  law,  fall  under  its  jurisdiction. 
A  special  law  shall  be  enacted 
making  the  necessary  provisions 
in  regard  to  this  institution. 

Art.  109.  There  shall  be  justices 
of  the  peace  in  all  the  towns  of 
the  Republic.  Their  number,  elec- 
tion, qualifications,  and  powers 
shall  be  fixed  by  law. 

Art.  110.  The  positions  of  jus- 
tice, and  of  judge  of  first  instance 
are  incompatible  with  any  other 
salaried  office  under  the  Executive 
or  the  legislative  powers.  This 
provision  is  not  applicable  to  the 
substitute  justices  or  judges  when 
not  exercising  judicial  functions; 
but  if  they  accept  any  office  in- 
compatible with  the  said  functions, 
their  appointment  as  substitutes 
shall,  by  the  same  act,  be  forfeited. 


360a— vol  1—06- 


-19 


2W 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


TII.TULO  IX. 


TITLE  IX. 


GOBIERNO  DEPARTAMENTAL  Y   DEPARTMENTAL  AND  LOCAL  GOV- 
LOCAL.  ERNMENT. 


Art.  111.  Para  la  administra- 
tion politica  se  dividira  el  territo- 
rio  de  la  Republica  en  Departa- 
mentos  cuyo  numero  y  limites 
fijara  la  ley.  En  cada  uno  de  ellos 
habra  un  Gobernador  propietario 
y  un  suplente  nombrados  por  el 
Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  112.  Para  ser  Gobernadoi 
propietario  6  suplente  se  requiere: 
ser  ciudadano  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus 
derechos  sin  haberlos  perdido  en 
los  dos  anos  anteriores  al  nombra- 
miento,  tener  veinticinco  anos  de 
edad  y  ser  de  honradez  e  instruc- 
tion competente. 


Art.  113.  El  Gobierno  local  de 
los  pueblos  estara  a  cargo  de  las 
Municipalidades  electas  popular  y 
directamente  por  los  ciudadanos 
vecinos  de  cada  poblacion.  Cada 
Municipalidad  se  compondra  de  un 
Alcalde,  un  Sindico  y  dos  6  mas 
Regidores,  proporcionalmente  a  la 
poblacion  conforme  lo  determine 
la  ley. 

Art.  114.  Los  Concejos  muni- 
cipales  administraran  sus  fondos 
en  provecho  de  la  comunidad,  rin- 
diendo  cuenta  de  su  administration 
al  tribunal  establecido  por  la  ley. 

Art.  115.  Las  atribuciones  de 
las  Municipalidades,  que  seran 
puramente  economicas  y  adminis- 
trativas,  las  determinant  la  ley,  lo 
mismo  que  las  condiciones  que 
deben  tener  sus  miembros  para 
ser  electos. 

Art.  116.  Ademas  de  las  atri- 
buciones que  la  ley  confiere  a  las 
Municipalidades,  las  de  cabecera 
de  distrito,  tienen  la  de  conmutar, 
conforme  a  la  ley,  las  penas  im- 
puestas  por  faltas. 

Art.  117.  Las  Municipalidades, 
en  el  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones, 


Art.  111.  For  the  purposes  of 
political  administration,  the  terri- 
tory of  the  Republic  shall  be 
divided  into  Departments,  whose 
number  and  limits  shall  be  fixed 
by  law.  Each  one  of  these  Depart- 
ments shall  have  a  governor  and 
a  substitute  governor,  both  of 
them  appointed  by  the  Executive. 

Art.  112.  To  be  a  governor 
or  a  substitute  governor,  the  fol- 
lowing qualifications  are  required: 
To  be  a  citizen  in  the  exercise  of 
the  rights  of  citizenship,  without 
having  lost  said  rights  during  the 
two  years  preceding  the  appoint- 
ment; over  twenty-five  years  of 
age,  and  of  competent  learning  and 
integrity. 

Art.  113.  The  local  govern- 
ment of  the  towns  shall  be  vested 
in  the  municipal  bodies  elected 
directly  by  the  citizens  residing 
therein.  Each  municipal  bod}T 
shall  consist  of  a  mayor,  a  syndic, 
and  two  or  more  aldermen,  accord- 
ing to  the  rate  of  population  estab- 
lished by  law. 

Art.  114.  The  municipal  coun- 
cils shall  manage  their  own  funds 
to  the  benefit  of  the  community, 
and  shall  render  an  account  of 
their  management  to  the  tribunal 
established  by  law. 

Art.  115.  The  powers  of  the 
municipal  bodies,  which  shall  be 
purely  economical  and  executive, 
and  the  qualifications  required  to 
be  elected  members  of  the  same, 
shall  be  determined  by  law. 

Art.  116.  The  municipal  bodies 
of  the  chief  towns  of  districts  shall 
have,  in  addition  to  the  powers 
vested  by  law  in  the  municipal 
bodies  in  general,  that  of  commut- 
ing sentences  for  misdemeanors. 

Art.  117.  The  municipal  bodies 
shall  be  entirely  independent  in 


CONSTITUTION. 


291 


son  enterainente  independientes; 
pero  seran  responsables  por  sus 
actos,  }7a  como  personas  juridicas, 
6  individualmente  segun  los  casos. 
Los  empleados  subalternos  de  las 
Municipalidades  seran  nombrados 
por  ellas  mismas  sin  intervencion 
de  ninguna  otra  autoridad. 

Art.  118.  Corresponde  a  las 
Municipalidades  el  nombramiento 
y  remocion  de  los  agentes  de  Po- 
licia  de  seguridad  y  orden,  la  cual 
sera  civil;  pero  en  la  capital  de  la 
Republica  ejercera  esta  facultad 
el  Poder  Ejecutivo,  quien  tendra 
la  direccion  suprema  del  raino. 
Una  ley  secundaria  la  reglamen- 
tara. 


the  exercise  of  their  functions, 
but  they  shall  be  held  responsible 
for  their  actions  either  as  corpora- 
tions or  individuals,  as  the  case 
may  be.  The  subaltern  employees 
of  the  municipal  bodies  shall  be 
appointed  by  them  without  inter- 
vention of  any  other  authority. 

Art.  118.  The  power  to  appoint 
and  remove  agents  of  the  po- 
lice, which  shall  be  a  civil  body, 
shall  belong  to  the  municipal 
bodies;  but  in  the  capital  of  the 
Republic  this  power  shall  be  ex- 
ercised by  the  Executive,  which 
shall  have  the  supreme  direction 
of  this  branch  of  the  service.  A 
law  of  secondary  character  shall 
regulate  the  institution. 


TITULO  X. 

DE  LAS  ELECCIONES. 

Art.  119.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica,  el  Vice-Presidente  y 
los  Diputados  seran  electos  popu- 
larmente. 

Art.  120.  En  estas  elecciones 
tendran  voto  directo  todos  los 
ciudadanos. 

Art.  121.  El  derecho  de  elegir 
es  irrenunciable  y  su  ejercicio 
obligatorio. 

Art.  122.  Ejerceran  el  derecho 
do  sufragio  todos  los  ciudadanos 
salvadorenos.  El  ejercicio  de  este 
derecho  sera  arreglado  por  una  ley. 

Art.  123.  La  base  del  sistema 
electoral  es  la  poblacion,  sirviendo 
por  ahora  de  norma,  mientras  se 
forman  censos  exactos,  la  division 
administrativa  de  la  Republica  en 
departamentos,  distritos  y  can- 
tones. 

Art.  124.  Cada  Departamento 
elegira  tres  Diputados  propieta- 
rios  y  dos  suplentes;  pero  cuando 
se  f  ormen  los  censos  que  prescribe 
el  articulo  anterior,  se  elegira  un 
Diputado  propietario  y  un  su- 
plente  por  cada  quince  mil  habi- 
tantes. 


TITLE   X. 

THE  ELECTIONS. 

Art.  119.  The  President  of  the 
Republic,  the  vice-president,  and 
the  deputies  shall  be  elected  by 
the  people  directly. 

Art.  120.  In  these  elections  all 
the  citizens  shall  have  a  direct 
vote. 

Art.  121.  The  right  of  suffrage 
can  not  be  waived,  and  its  exer- 
cise is  obligatory. 

Art.  122.  The  right  of  suffrage 
shall  be  exercised  by  all  Salva- 
dorean citizens.  The  exercise  of 
this  right  shall  be  properly  regu- 
lated by  law. 

Art.  123.  The  basis  of  the  elec- 
toral system  is  the  population,  and 
until  a  correct  census  is  taken,  the 
present  political  division  of  the 
Republic  into  Departments,  dis- 
tricts, and  cantons  shall  prevail. 

Art.  124.  Each  Department 
shall  elect  three  deputies  and  two 
substitutes;  but  when  the  census 
referred  to  in  the  preceding  article 
is  taken,  a  deputy  and  a  substitute 
shall  be  elected  for  each  fifteen 
thousand  inhabitants. 


292 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


Art.  125.  Ningun  ministro  de 
cualquier  culto  religioso  podra 
obtener  cargo  de  eleccion  popular. 

Art.  126.  Una  ley  especial  re- 
glamentara  la  manera  de  practical* 
las  eleccionos. 

TVTULO  XI. 

TESORO  NACIONAL. 

Art.  127.  Forman  el  Tesoro 
publico  de  la  Nacion: 

1.  Todos  sus  bienes  muebles  y 
raices. 

2.  Todos  sus  creditos  activos. 

3.  Todos  los  derechos,  impues- 
tos  y  contribuciones  que  paguen 
y  en  lo  sucesivo  pagaren  los  sal- 
vadorenos  }r  extranjeros. 

Art.  128.  Para  laadministracion 
de  los  fondos  publicos  habra  una 
Tesoreria  General  recaudadora  y 
pagadora,  y  un  Tribunal  Superior 
6  Contaduria  Ma}ror  de  Cuentas, 
que  glosard  todas  las  de  los  que 
administren  intereses  del  Erario 
publico. 

Art.  129.  La  Tesoreria  General 
publicara  cada  mes  el  estado  de  los 
fondos  que  administre,  y  la  Conta- 
duria Mayor  cada  afio,  un  cuadro 
general  de  todas  las  rentas. 


Art.  130.  Ninguna  suma  podra 
extraerse  del  Tesoro,  pagarse  6 
abonarse,  sino  en  virtua  de  desig- 
nacion  previa  de  la  ley. 

La  ley  determinant  las  entradas 
y  los  gastos  de  la  Nacion.  De 
cualquier  cantidad  exigida  6  in- 
vertida  contra  el  tenor  expreso  de 
ella,  sera  responsable  el  que  ordene 
la  exaccion  6  el  gasto  indebido: 
tambi^n  lo  serii  el  ejecutor  si  no 
prueba  su  inculpabilidad. 


Art.  131.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo 
no  podra  celebrar  contratas  que 
comprometan  los  fondos  naciona- 


Art.  125.  No  minister  of  any 
religion  whatever  shall  be  qualified 
to  hold  any  position  to  be  tilled  by 
popular  vote. 

Art.  126.  A  special  law  shall 
regulate  the  manner  of  holding 
elections. 

TITLE  XI. 

THE  NATIONAL  TREASURE. 

Art.  127.  The  public  treasure 
of  the  Nation  is  constituted  as  fol- 
lows: 

1.  By  the  real  and  personal  prop- 
erty of  the  nation. 

2.  By  all  debts  due  the  nation. 

3.  By  the  duties,  taxes,  and  im- 
posts paid  or  to  be  paid  by  Salva- 
doreans and  aliens. 

Art.  128.  For  the  management 
of  the  public  moneys  there  shall 
be  a  general  treasury,  which  shall 
collect  and  disburse  the  funds,  and 
a  superior  tribunal  of  accounts  or 
board  of  comptrollers,  which  shall 
examine  and  pass  upon  all  the  ac- 
counts given  by  those  who  manage 
public  moneys. 

Art.  129.  The  general  treasury 
shall  publish  every  month  a  state- 
ment showing  the  condition  of  the 
funds  managed  by  it,  and  the 
comptroller's  office  shall  publish 
annually  a  general  statement  of 
all  the  revenue. 

Art.  130.  No  sum  shall  be  taken 
out  of  the  treasury  or  be  paid  or 
allowed,  except  upon  previous 
authorization  by  law.  The  law 
shall  fix  the  revenue  and  the  ex- 
penses of  the  Nation.  Eve^  dis- 
bursement made  against  the  pro- 
visions of  the  law  shall  cause  the 
officer  who  ordered  it  to  be  respon- 
sible for  it,  said  responsibility  to 
be  shared  also  by  the  officer  who 
executed  the  order,  if  he  does  not 
succeed  in  proving  himself  not 
guilty. 

Art.  131.  The  Executive  shall 
have  no  power  to  enter  into  con- 
tracts involving  responsibility  on 


CONSTITUTION. 


293 


les,  sin  previa  publicacion  de  la 
propuesta  en  el  periodico  oficial  y 
licitacion  publica.  Exceptuanse 
las  que  tengan  por  objeto  proveer 
a  las  necesidades  de  la  guerra  y 
las  que  por  su  naturaleza  solo  pue- 
den  celebrarse  con  persona  deter- 
minada. 

TITULO  XII. 

FUERZA  ARMADA. 

Art.  1 32.  La  f  uerza  armada  es 
instituida  para  mantener  la  inte- 
gridad  del  territorio  salvadoreno, 
para  conservar  y  defender  la  au- 
tonomia  nacional,  para  hacer  cum- 
plir  la  ley,  guardar  el  orden  pu- 
blico y  bacer  efectivas  las  garan- 
tias  constitucionales. 

Art.  133.  La  f  uerza  armada  es 
esencialmente  obediente  y  no  puede 
deliberar  en  los  asuntos  del  servi- 
cio  militar. 

Art.  134.  En  caso  de  guerra 
todos  los  salvadorenos  habiles,  de 
diez  y  ocho  a  cincuenta  anos,  son 
soldados. 

Art.  135.  El  Ejercito  de  la  Re- 
publica  se  compondra  de  la  fuerza 
permanente,  milicias  y  marina 
nacionales.  Cada  pueblo  contri- 
buira  a  su  formacion  proporcional- 
mente  al  numero  de  sus  habitantes. 

La  designacion  de  los  individuos 
de  tropa  que  deban  componer  el 
Ejercito,  debera  hacerse  por  sorteo. 

La  fuerza  permanente  en  tiempo 
de  paz,  sera  fijada  anualmente  por 
la  Legislatura  y  limitada  a  lo  estric- 
tamente  necesario  para  guardar  los 
puertos,  plazas  y  almacenes  de 
guerra. 

Art.  136.  Solamente  gozaran 
del  f  uero  de  guerra,  los  individuos 
del  Ejercito  de  la  Republica  que 
estuvieren  en  actual  servicio  y 
por  delitos  puramente  militares. 
Queda  abolido  el  fuero  atractivo. 


the  part  of  the  national  Treasury, 
without  first  calling  for  bids  in 
the  official  paper.  The  contracts 
made  to  meet  exigencies  of  war, 
and  those  which,  by  their  own 
nature,  can  be  made  only  with  cer- 
tain persons,  are  excepted  from 
the  operation  of  this  article. 

TITLE  XII. 

THE  ARMED  FORCE. 

Art.  132.  The  armed  force  is 
established  to  preserve  the  integ- 
rity of  the  Salvadorean  territory, 
defend  the  national  autonomy,  en- 
force the  law,  maintain  public 
order,  and  cause  the  constitutional 
guaranties  to  be  effective. 

Art.  133.  The  armed  force  is 
essentially  obedient,  and  has  not 
the  power  to  deliberate  in  matters 
of  military  service. 

Art.  134.  In  case  of  war  all 
able-bodied  Salvadoreans  from 
eighteen  to  fifty  years  of  age  shall 
be  soldiers. 

Art.  135.  The  army  of  the  Re- 
public shall  consist  of  the  regular 
forces,  the  militia,  and  the  navy. 
Each  town  shall  contribute  its  con- 
tingent in  proportion  to  the  num- 
ber of  its  inhabitants. 

The  designation  of  the  men  who 
shall  compose  the  army  shall  be 
made  by  lot. 

The  strength  of  the  standing 
army  in  time  of  peace  shall  be 
fixed  every  year  by  the  legisla- 
ture, and  shall  be  limited  to  what 
is  strictly  necessarj^  to  protect  the 
ports,  places,  and  arsenals. 

Art.  136.  Military  tribunals 
shall  take  cognizance  of  no  other 
cases  than  those  against  individ- 
uals of  the  army  of  the  Republic 
in  actual  service,  prosecuted  for 
purely  military  offenses.  All  the 
jurisdictional  privileges  of  these 
tribunals  are  hereby  abolished. 


294 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


En  el  juzgamiento  por  Consejos 
de  guerra,  que  establecen  las  leyes 
niihtares,  la  designation  de  los 
vocales  se  hara,  en  todo  caso,  por 
sorteo,  entre  los  oficiales  habiles 
segiin  la  ley. 

Art.  137.  De  las  resoluciones 
de  los  Consejos  de  guerra  se  ad- 
mitiran  los  recursos  legales  para 
ante  el  Comandante  General  de  la 
Repiiblica,  6  el  respectivo  Jefe 
expedicionario  en  carapana. 

TTfULO  XIII. 

RESPONSABILIDAD  DE    LOS    FUN- 
CIONARIOS  PUBLICOS. 

Art.  138.  Todo  funcionario, 
civil  6  militar,  al  posesionarse  de 
su  destino,  protestara,  bajo  su 
palabra  de  honor,  ser  fiel  a  la  Re- 

Iniblica,  cumplir  y  hacer  cumplir 
a  Constitution,  ateniendose  a  su 
texto,  cualesquiera  que  fueren  las 
leyes,  decretos,  ordenes  6  resolu- 
ciones que  la  contrarien,  prome- 
tiendo  ademas  el  exacto  cumpli- 
miento  de  los  deberes  que  el  empleo 
le  impusiere,  por  cu}-a  infraction 
sera  responsable  con  su  persona  y 
bienes. 

Art.  139.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Repiiblica,  6  el  que  haga  sus  veces, 
los  Magistrados,  los  Ministros  de 
Estado  6  los  Sub-Secretarios  en 
el  ejercicio  del  Ministerio,  los 
Ministros  diplomaticos  y  los  Go- 
bernadores  departamentales,  res- 
pondent ante  la  Asamblea  por 
violation  expresa  de  la  Constitu- 
cion, 6  cualquier  otro  delito  que 
cometan  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus  f  un- 
ciones.  La  Asamblea,  oyendo  a 
un  Fiscal  de  su  seno  y  al  acusado,  si 
estuviere  presente,  6  a  un  defensor 
especial,  en  su  caso,  declarara  si 
ha  6  no  lugar  a  formation  de  causa: 
en  el  primer  caso,  se  pasaran  las 
diligencias  a  la  primera  Camarade 
segunda  instancia  de  la  Capital 
para  que  pronuncie  la  sentencia 
correspondiente.  De  esta  sen- 
tencia se  admitira  apelacion  para 


The  selection  of  the  members  of 
the  councils  of  war  established  by 
military  law  shall  be  made  by  lot 
from  among  the  officers,  who,  ac- 
cording to  law,  may  serve  in  that 
capacity. 

Art.  137.  Legal  remedies 
against  the  decisions  of  the  coun- 
cils of  war  shall  be  used  before 
the  commandant -general  of  the 
Republic  or  the  respective  superior 
officer  in  the  field. 

TITLE  XIII. 

RESPONSIBILITY  OF  PUBLIC 
FUNCTION  A IRIES. 

Art.  138.  Every  functionary, 
whether  civil  or  military,  shall,  in 
taking  possession  of  his  office, 
promise  upon  his  word  of  honor,  to 
be  faithful  to  the  Republic,  to  com- 
ply and  cause  others  to  comply 
with  the  Constitution,  to  abide  by 
its  provisions  notwithstanding  an}- 
law,  decree,  order,  or  resolution 
enacted  or  issued  to  the  contrary, 
and  to  faithfully  fulfill  the  duties 
of  his  office.  For  the  violation  of 
this  promise,  he  shall  be  held  re- 
sponsible with  his  person  and 
property. 

Art.  139.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  or  whoever  acts  in  his 
place,  the  members  of  the  courts, 
the  ministers  or  secretaries  of  state , 
and  the  assistant  secretaries  when 
acting  as  secretaries,  the  diplomatic 
ministers  and  the  governors  of  the 
Departments,  shall  be  held  re- 
sponsible before  the  Assembly  for 
auy  violation  of  the  Constitution, 
or  for  any  offense  committed  by 
them  in  the  exercise  of  their  func- 
tions. The  Assembly  after  hearing 
a  prosecuting  attorney,  elected  by 
it  from  among  its  members,  and 
also  the  accused  official,  if  present, 
and  if  not  present,  some  one  acting 
as  his  counsel,  shall  declare  whether 
proper  proceedings  should  or 
should  not  be  instituted  against 
him.  In  the  affirmative  case,  the 
record  of  the  steps  taken  shall  be 


CONSTITUTION. 


295 


ante  la  Camara  de  tercera  instan- 
cia.  Cualquiera  persona  tiene  de- 
recho  de  denunciar  los  delitos  de 
que  habla  este  articulo,  y  de  raos- 
trarse  parte  si  para  ello  tuviere  las 
cualidades  requeridas  por  la  ley. 


Los  Diputados  seran  juzgados 
en  iguales  easos  por  la  Asamblea, 
observando  las  mismas  formali- 
dades. 

Art.  140.  Por  los  delitos  y  f  altas 
comunes  que  cometan  los  Repre- 
sentantes,  durante  las  sesiones  del 
Cuerpo  Legislativo,  seran  juzga- 
dos de  la  manera  establecida  en  el 
articulo  65  de  esta  Constitution. 
Si  cualquiera  otro  de  los  funcio- 
narios  enumerados  en  el  articulo 
precedente  cometiere  algun  delito 
comun,  se  le  acusara  6  denunciara 
ante  la  Asamblea,  quien,  obser- 
vando los  tramites  del  mismo  arti- 
culo, declarara  si  ha  lugar  6  no  a 
formacion  de  causa;  y  en  el  primer 
caso  sometera  al  acusado  a  los  tri- 
bunales  comunes. 


Art.  141.  Los  Contadores  del 
Tribunal  Mayor  de  Cuentas,  el 
Juez  General  de  Hacienda  y  Jueces 
de  primera  instancia  y  de  Paz  y 
demas  funcionarios  que  determina 
la  ley,  seran  juzgados  por  la  Corte 
Suprema  de  Justicia,  por  los  deli- 
tos que  cometan  en  el  ejercicio  de 
sus  funciones.  Este  juicio  tendra 
por  objeto  someter  al  acusado  a 
los  tribunales  comunes,  en  caso  de 
que  haj^a  lugar  a  formacion  de 
causa.  Por  los  delitos  y  faltas 
comunes  que  cometan  los  antedi- 
chos  empleados,  estaran  sujetos  a 
los  procedimientos  ordinarios. 

Art.  142.  Desde  que  se  declare 
por  la  Asamblea  6  por  la  Corte 
Suprema  de  Justicia,  que  ha  lugar 
a  formacion  de  causa,  el  acusado 


sent  to  the  first  Chamber  of  second 
instance  of  the  capital  in  order  that 
it  may  pass  the  proper  sentence, 
against  which  an  appeal  to  the 
Chamber  of  third  instance  may 
be  taken.  P^very  person  having 
the  qualifications  required  by  law, 
shall  have  the  right  to  denounce 
the  offenses  spoken  of  in  this  arti- 
cle, and  join  in  the  prosecution  of 
the  same. 

The  deputies  shall  be  tried  in  the 
same  cases,  and  with  the  same  for 
malities  by  the  Assembly  itself. 

Art.  140.  The  representatives 
shall  be  tried  for  common  offenses 
and  misdemeanors  committed  by 
them  during  the  session  of  the 
legislative  body  in  the  manner  and 
form  provided  by  article  65  of 
the  present  Constitution.  If  any 
other  functionary  mentioned  in 
the  preceding  article  should  com- 
mit a  common  offense,  he  shall  be 
accused  or  denounced  before  the 
Assembly,  which,  following  the 
same  course  of  proceedings  estab- 
lished in  the  same  article,  shall  de- 
clare whether  or  not  the  case  shall 
be  tried,  and  if  the  resolution  is  in 
the  affirmative,  the  offender  shall 
be  submitted  to  the  ordinary 
courts. 

Art.  141.  The  comptrollers  of 
the  treasury,  the  judge  of  matters 
belonging  to  the  treasury,  the 
judges  of  first  instance,  the  justices 
of  the  peace,  and  all  other  func- 
tionaries determined  by  law  shall 
be  tried  for  offenses  committed  in 
the  exercise  of  their  functions  by 
the  supreme  court  of  justice.  The 
trial  shall  have  for  its  object  to 
submit  the  offender  to  the  ordinary 
tribunals  in  case  there  is  sufficient 
evidence  to  convict  him.  For  com- 
mon offenses  and  misdemeanors 
the  above-mentioned  officials  shall 
be  subject  to  the  ordinary  course 
of  proceedings. 

Art.  142.  As  soon  as  either  the 
Assembly  or  the  supreme  court  of 
justice,  as  the  case  may  be,  declares 
that  a  trial  shall  be  held,  the  of- 


296 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


quedara  suspenso  en  el  ejercicio 
de  sus  funciones,  y  por  ningun 
motivo  podra  permanecer  mas  en 
su  puesto  sin  hacerse  reo  de  usur- 
pacion,  y  ningun  individuo  debera 
obedecerle.  Si  la  sentencia  defi- 
nitiva  f uere  absolutoria,  el  acusado 
volvera  al  ejercicio  de  su  empleo; 
en  caso  contrario  quedara  por  el 
mismo  hecho  depuesto. 


Art.  143.  Los  decretos,  autos  y 
sentencias  de  la  Asamblea,  en  esta 
clase  de  causas,  deben  cumplirse  y 
ejecutarse  sin  necesidad  de  con- 
firmatoria  ni  de  sancion  alguna. 


Art.  144.  Cuando  el  Poder  Eje- 
cutivo  en  las  cuentas  que  rindan 
sus  Ministros  al  Poder  Legislative 
omitiere  alguno  de  los  actos  que, 
segiin  la  ley,  debiera  comprender- 
se  en  aquellas,  sera  requerido  por 
la  Asamblea  para  que  cumpla  con 
su  deber  a  este  respecto,  y  si  no  lo 
hiciere,  se  observara  lo  dispuesto 
en  el  articulo  90,  No.  4,  de  esta 
Constitucion. 

Art.  145.  La  prescripcion  de 
delitos  y  faltas  oficiales  comenzara 
a  contarse  desde  que  el  f uncionario 
culpable  hubiese  cesado  en  sus 
funciones. 


Art.  146.  Los  Representantes 
de  las  Asambleas  Constituyentes 
se  equipararan,  en  cuanto  a  su  juz- 

famiento,  a  los  Diputados  del  Po- 
er  Legislativo.  El  proceso  en 
este  caso  se  decidira  por  la  misma 
Asamblea  Constit^ente,  la  que 
nombrara  una  Comision  de  su  seno 
para  que  instruya  el  informativo 
correspondiente,  procediendo  en 
todo  lo  dermis  segun  su  Reglamento 
interior. 

Art.  147.  Si  a  la  clausura  del 
Poder  Legislativo,  £ste  no  hubiere 
sentenciado  en  las  causas  de  que 


fender  shall  be  suspended  from 
the  exercise  of  his  functions,  and 
under  no  consideration  whatever 
shall  he  be  allowed  to  remain  any 
longer  in  his  position  without  be 
coming  guilty  of  usurpation  of 
authority,  and  no  person  shall  be 
bound  to  obey  him.  If  acquitted, 
the  impeached  official  shall  return 
to  the  exercise  of  his  functions,  but 
if  convicted  he  shall  be  by  the  same 
fact  dismissed  from  the  service. 

Art.  143.  No  approval,  or  sanc- 
tion of  any  kind  shall  be  required 
for  the  validity  of  the  decrees, 
rules,  and  sentences  of  the  Assem- 
bly in  cases  of  this  nature  which 
shall  be  complied  with  and  exe- 
cuted at  once. 

Art.  144.  If  the  Executive  power 
should  fail  to  state  in  the  reports 
submitted  to  the  Assembly  by  any 
of  its  secretaries  some  fact  or  cir- 
cumstance, which,  according  to 
law,  ought  to  have  been  stated,  the 
Assembly  shall  have  the  right  to 
order  the  omission  to  be  corrected, 
but  if  the  Executive  again  fails  to 
do  so,  the  measures  spoken  of  in 
clause  4,  article  90  of  the  present 
Constitution,  shall  be  resorted  to. 

Art.  145.  The  lapse  of  time  re- 
quired to  cause  prosecutions  for 
official  offenses  and  misdemeanors 
to  be  barred  by  limitation  shall  run 
from  the  date  on  which  the  guilty 
functionary  ceased  to  exercise  his 
functions. 

Art.  146.  The  delegates  to  the 
constitutional  conventions  shall  be 
subject,  when  prosecuted,  to  ex- 
actly the  same  proceedings  as  the 
members  of  the  legislative  body. 
In  such  cases  the  resolution  by 
which  the  trial  is  ordered  shall  be 
passed  by  the  constitutional  con- 
vention itself,  which  shall  also 
appoint  a  committee  to  conduct  the 
proceedings,  acting  in  everything 
else  in  accordance  with,  its  interior 
rules. 

Art.  147.  If  the  Assembly  should 
adjourn,  without  rendering  any 
decision    in   the    causes    pending 


CONSTITUTION. 


297 


conozca,  delegara  sus  facultades 
en  una  Comision  de  su  seno,  com- 
puesta  de  siete  miembros,  con  el 
fin  de  que  resuelva  en  conformidad 
con  lo  dispuesto  en  este  titulo. 


TITULO  XIV. 

REFORMA   DE   LA   CONSTITUCION 
Y  LEYES  CONSTITUTIVAS. 

Art.  148.  La  reforma  de  esta 
Constitucion  solo  podra  acordarse 
por  los  dos  tercios  de  votos  de  los 
Representantes  electos  a  la  Asam- 
blea,  debiendo  puntualizarse  el 
articulo  6  articulos  que  hayan  de 
reformarse.  Esta  resolucion  se 
publicara  en  el  periodico  oficial  y 
volvera  a  tomarse  en  considera- 
cion  en  la  Legislatura  del  ano 
siguiente.  Si  esta  la  ratifica  se 
convocara  una  Asamblea  Constitu- 
yente  compuesta  de  tres  Repre- 
sentantes por  cada  Departamento 
para  que,  si  lo  tuviere  a  bien, 
decrete  las  reformas.  Pero  se 
estatuye  que  en  ningun  caso  po- 
dran  reformarse  los  articulos  80, 
81  y  82  que  tratan  de  la  prohibition 
de  la  reelection  del  Presidente, 
Vice-Presidente  y  Designados,  y 
de  la  duration  del  periodo  presi- 
dencial. 

Art.  149.  Son  leyes  constituti- 
vas,  la  de  imprenta,  la  de  estado 
de  sitio,  la  de  amparo  y  la  elec- 
toral. 

Estas  leyes  pueden  reformarse 
por  una  Asamblea  Constituyente, 
6  bien  por  la  Legislatura  ordinaria, 
con  los  dos  tercios  de  votos;  pero 
en  este  caso  las  reformas  no  tend  ran 
f  uerza  de  ley  si  no  f  uesen  ratificadas 
por  la  Legislatura  ordinaria  del 
ano  siguiente,  con  igual  niimero 
de  votos. 

Art.  150.  Cualquier  otro  medio 
de  reforma  distinto  de  los  estable- 
cidos  en  los  articulos  anteriores,  es 
ilegal  y  nulo. 


before  it,  it  shall  delegate  its  powers 
to  a  special  committee  consisting 
of  seven  members,  which  shall  sit 
during  the  adjournment,  and  ren- 
der its  decision  in  conformity  with 
the  provisions  of  this  title. 

TITLE  XIV. 

REFORM   OF    THE    CONSTITUTION 
AND  CONSTITUTIONAL  LAWS. 

Art.  148.  The  reform  of  the 
present  Constitution  shall  be  un- 
dertaken only  upon  a  resolution 
passed  by  two-thirds  of  the  votes 
of  the  representatives  elected  to 
the  Assembly,  and  this  resolution 
shall  express  the  article  or  articles 
which  shall  be  amended.  The 
resolution  shall  be  published  in 
the  official  newspapers,  and  shall 
be  considered  again  in  the  session 
of  the  Assembly  of  the  following 
year.  If  ratified  by  the  Assembly, 
a  constitutional  convention  con- 
sisting of  three  delegates  for  each 
Department  shall  be  called  to  meet, 
in  order  to  decide  about  the  sug- 
gested reform.  But  it  is  hereby 
declared  that  in  no  case  shall  arti- 
cles 80,  81,  and  82  prohibiting  the 
re-election  of  the  President,  vice- 
president,  and  designados,  and 
concerning  the  duration  of  the 
presidential  term,  be  amended. 

Art.  149.  The  laws  relating  to 
the  public  press,  the  state  of  siege, 
the  writ  of  amparo,  and  the  gen- 
eral elections  shall  rank  as  consti- 
tutional statutes. 

They  may  be  amended  either  b}^ 
the  constitutional  convention  or  by 
the  ordinary  Assembly  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote;  but  in  the  latter  case 
the  reform  shall  have  no  binding 
force  until  it  has  been  ratified  by 
the  legislative  body  in  the  ordinary 
session  of  the  following  year  by 
the  same  number  of  votes. 

Art.  150.  Any  other  manner  or 
method  of  amending  the  Consti- 
tution or  constitutional  laws  dif- 
ferent from  those  provided  for  in 
the  preceding  articles  shall  be 
illegal  and  void. 


298 


REPUBLIC    OF    SALVADOR. 


TITTTLO  XV. 

DISPOSICIONES  GENERALES. 

Art.  151.  Siendo  £1  Salvador 
una  parte  disgregada  de  la  Repu- 
blica  de  Centro- America,  queda  en 
capacidad  de  concurrir  con  todos, 
6  con  alguno  de  los  Estados  de  ella, 
a  la  organizacion  de  un  Gobierno 
Nacional  cuando  las  circunstancias 
lo  permitan  y  convenga  asi  a  sus 
intereses,  lo  mismo  que  a  formar 

Earte  de  la  gran   Confederacion 
iatino-Americana. 

Art.  152.  Queda  derogada  en 
todas  sus  partes  la  Constitucion 
de  seis  de  Diciembre  de  mil  ocho- 
cientos  ochenta  y  tres. 


TITLE  XV. 
GENERAL  PROVISIONS. 

Art.  151.  As  Salvador  is  a  seg- 
regated portion  of  the  Republic  of 
Central  America,  its  capacity  to 
concur  with  any  or  all  the  Central 
American  States  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  national  government, 
when  circumstances  may  permit  it, 
and  when  its  interests  may  be  pro- 
moted by  it,  is  left  impaired.  The 
same  shall  be  understood  in  refer- 
ence to  the  great  Latin  American 
Confederation. 

Art.  152.  The  Constitution  of 
December  sixth,  eighteen  hundred 
and  eighty-three  is  hereby  abso- 
lutely repealed. 


REPUBLIC   OF  NICARAGUA. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES. 

Nicaragua  has  had  six  Constitutions,  as  follows: 

1.  The  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Nicaragua,  promulgated  April 
8,  1826. 

2.  The  Political  Constitution  of  the  free,  sovereign,  and  independ- 
ent State  of  Nicaragua,  as  reformed  and  sanctioned  by  its  constitu- 
tional assembly  on  November  12,  1838. 

3.  The  Political  Constitution  of  the  Republic  of  Nicaragua,  promul- 
gated on  August  19,  1858. 

4.  The  Political  Constitution  of  the  Republic  of  Nicaragua,  promul- 
gated on  December  10,  1893. 

5.  The  Political  Constitution  of  the  Republic  of  Nicaragua,  as 
amended  on  October  7,  1896. 

6.  The  Political  Constitution  of  Nicaragua,  promulgated  on  March 
30,  1905. 


LIST   OF  IMPORTANT  BOOKS  TO  BE  CONSULTED  IN  REFERENCE  TO  THE  CON- 
STITUTION OF  NICARAGUA. 

Arosemena  (Justo).     Estudios  constitucionales  sobre  los  Gobiernos  de  la  America 

latina.     Paris,  1878. 
Fernandez  Somoza  (Dr.  J. ).     Curso  de  Derecho  constitucional  nicaragiiense,  impreso 

por  disposici6n  del  Sr.  Ministro  de  Instruction  publica,  Doctor  Don  Manuel  Co- 

ronel  Matus.     Managua,  1899. 

299 


CONSTITUTION. 

(Promulgated  on  March  30,  1905.) 


Los  suscritos  Representantes 
del  Pueblo  nicaraguense,  reunidos 

{>ara  dar  la  Ley  Fundamental  de 
a  Nacion,  decretamos  y  sancio- 
namos  la  siguiente  Constitueion 
politica : 

TIT1TL.O  I. 

DE  LA  NACION. 

ARTfcuLO  1.  Nicaragua  es  na- 
cion libre,  soberana  e  indepen- 
diente;  pero  se  considera  como  una 
seccion  disgregada  de  la  Repu- 
blicaCentroamericana.  En  conse- 
cuencia  reconoce  como  una  nece- 
sidad  primordial  volver  a  la  Union 
de  las  demas  secciones  de  la  Re- 
publica  disuelta. 

Art.  2.  La  soberania  es  una, 
inalienable  €  imprescriptible,  y 
reside  esencialmente  en  el  pueblo. 

Art.  3.  Los  funcionarios  pu- 
blicos  no  tienen  mas  facultades  que 
las  que  expresamente  les  da  la  ley. 
Todo  acto  ejecutado  por  ellos  fuera 
de  la  ley  es  nulo. 

TITULO  II. 

DE  LOS  NICARAGUENSES. 

Art.  4.  Los  nicaragiienses  son 
naturales  y  naturalizados. 

Art.  5.  Son  naturales: 

1°.  Los  nacidos  en  Nicaragua  de 
padres  nicaragiienses  6  extranje- 
ros  domiciliados. 

2°.  Los  hijos  de  padre  6  madre 
nicaraguense  nacidos  en  el  extran- 

300 


We,  the  undersigned  represent- 
atives of  the  Nicaraguan  people, 
assembled  for  the  purpose  of  en- 
acting the  fundamental  law  of  the 
Nation,  do  hereby  decree  and  sanc- 
tion the  following  political  Con- 
stitution : 

TITLE  I. 

THE  NATION. 

Article  1.  Nicaragua  is  a  free, 
sovereign,  and  independent  na- 
tion; but  she  considers  herself  a 
segregated  section  of  the  Republic 
of  Central  America.  Therefore, 
she  recognizes  as  a  primordial 
necessity  to  return  to  thq  Union 
with  the  other  sections  of  the  dis- 
solved Republic. 

Art.  2.  The  sovereignty  is  one, 
inalienable,  and  imprescriptible, 
and  is  vested  essentially  in  the 
people. 

Art.  3.  Public  functionaries 
have  no  other  powers  than  those 
expressly  given  them  by  law. 
Every  act  performed  by  them  out- 
side of  the  law  is  void. 

title  II. 

NICARAGUANS. 

Art.  4.  Nicaraguans  are  either 
native  or  naturalized. 
Art.  5.  Native  Nicaraguans  are: 

1.  Those  born  in  Nicaragua  of 
Nicaraguan  parents  or  domiciled 
foreigners. 

2.  Children  of  Nicaraguan  fa- 
thers or  mothers  born  in  foreign 


CONSTITUTION. 


301 


jero,  si  optaren  por  la  nacionalidad 
nicaragiiense.  Los  tratados  pueden 
modificar  estas  disposiciones  siem- 
pre  que  establezcan  reciprocidad. 

3°.  Los  naturales  de  las  otras 
Republicas  deCentro  America  que 
residan  en  Nicaragua,  y  no  mani- 
fiesten  ante  autoridad  competente 
su  deseo  en  contrario. 

Art.  6.  Son  naturalizados: 

1°.  Los  hispanoamericanos  que 
manifiesten  su  deseo  de  naturali- 
zarse  en  el  pais  ante  la  autoridad 
respectiva. 

2°.  Los  demas  extranjeros  que 
tengan  dos  anos  de  residencia  en  el 
pais,  y  que  hagan  igual  manifes- 
tation. 

3°.  Los  que  obtengan  carta  de 
naturaleza  conforme  a  la  ley. 

4°.  Los  naturalizados  en  los  otros 
Estados  centroamericanos  que 
residan  en  el  pais,  y  que  manifies- 
ten ante  autoridad  competente  su 
deseo  de  serlo. 

TITUXO  III. 
DE  LOS  EXTRANJEROS. 

Art.  7.  Los  extranjeros  gozaran 
en  Nicaragua  de  todos  los  derechos 
civiles  de  los  nicaraguenses. 

Art.  8.  Nicaragua  no  tiene  a 
favor  de  los  extranjeros  otras  obli- 
gaciones,  ni  reconoce  otras  res- 
ponsabilidades,  que  las  que  a  favor 
de  los  nicaraguenses  establecen  la 
Constitution  y  las  leyes. 

Art.'  9.  Los  extranjeros  estan 
obligados,  desde  su  llegada  al  terri- 
torio  de  la  Republica,  a  respetar 
las  autoridades  y  a  observar  las 
leyes. 

Art.  10.  Pueden  adquirir  toda 
clase  de  bienes  en  el  pais;  pero 
quedaran  sujetos,  en  cuanto  a  estos 
bienes,  a  todas  las  cargas  ordina- 
rias  6  extraordinarias  a  que  estan 
obligados  los  nicaraguenses. 

Art.  11.  Los  extranjeros  no  po- 
dran  ocurrir  a  la  via  diplomatica, 


countries,  if  they  choose  the  Nica- 
raguan  nationality.  This  provi- 
sion may  be  changed  by  interna- 
tional conventions,  if  the  principle 
of  reciprocity  is  observed. 

3.  Natives  of  the  other  Republics 
of  Central  America  who  reside  in 
Nicaragua  and  do  not  declare  be- 
fore the  competent  authority  their 
desire  to  the  contrary. 

Art.  6.  Naturalized  Nicaraguans 
are: 

1.  Spanish- American  citizens 
who  declare  before  the  respective 
authority  their  desire  to  become 
naturalized  in  the  country. 

2.  All  other  aliens  who  have 
resided  two  years  in  the  country 
and  make  the  same  declaration. 

3.  Those  who  obtain  naturaliza- 
tion papers  according  to  law. 

4.  Naturalized  citizens  of  the 
other  Central  American  States, 
who  reside  in  the  country  and  de- 
clare before  the  competent  author- 
ity their  desire  to  be  Nicaraguans. 

TITLE    III. 

FOREIGNERS. 

Art.  7.  Foreigners  shall  enjoy 
in  Nicaragua  the  same  civil  rights 
as  Nicaraguans. 

Art.  8.  Nicaragua  has  not  in 
favor  of  foreigners  any  other  ob- 
ligations, nor  does  she  recognize 
any  other  responsibilities,  than 
those  established  by  the  consti- 
tution and  the  laws  in  favor  of 
Nicaraguans. 

Art.  9.  Foreigners  are  bound 
from  the  daj^  of  their  arrival  in  the 
territory  of  the  Republic  to  respect 
its  authorities  and  observe  its 
laws. 

Art.  10.  They  can  acquire  all 
kinds  of  property  in  the  country; 
but  they  shall  be  subject  to  the 
same  ordinary  and  extraordinary 
taxation  as  Nicaraguans. 

Art.  11.  Foreigners  shall  not 
resort  to  diplomatic  interposition, 


302 


REPUBLIC    OF    NICARAGUA. 


sino  en  los  casos  de  denegacion  de 
justicia.  Los  que  reclamen  in- 
debidamente  perderan  el  derecho 
de  habitar  en  el  pais. 

Art.  12.  Es  prohibida  la  extra- 
dicion  por  delitos  politicos,  aunque 
por  consecuencia  de  estos  resulte 
un  delito  comun. 

Art.  13.  La  ley  establecera  la 
forma  y  casos  en  que  pueda  negarse 
a  un  extranjero  la  entrada  al  pais, 
u  ordenarse  su  expulsion. 


TfTULO  TV. 

DE  LOS  CIUDADANOS. 

Art.  14.  Son  ciudadanos  todos 
los  niearagiienses  mayores  de  diez 
y  ocho  afios. 

Art.  15.  Son  derechos  de  los 
ciudadanos:  1°.  el  sufragio,  2°.  el 
optar  a  los  cargos  piiblicos,  y  3°.  el 
tener  y  portar  armas,  todo  con 
arreglo  a  la  ley. 

Art.  16.  Se  suspenden  los  de- 
rechos de  ciudadano: 

1°.  Por  auto  de  prision  6  decla- 
ratoria  de  haber  lugar  aformacion 
de  causa. 

2°.  Por  sentencia  de  inhabilita- 
cion  para  el  ejercicio  de  derechos 
politicos,  durante  el  termino  de  la 
condena. 

3°.  Por  sentencia  que  imponga 
pena  mas  que  correccional. 

4°.  Por  admitir  empleo  de  otras 
naciones  con  exception  de  las  de 
Hispanoamerica,  sin  licencia  del 
Poder  legislativo,  si  el  que  lo 
admite  reside  en  Nicaragua. 

5°.  Por  incapacidad  mental. 

Art.  17.  El  voto  activo  es  irre- 
nunciable  y  obligatorio  para  los 
ciudadanos. 

Art.  18.  El  sufragio  sera  di- 
recto  y  secreto. 


except  in  cases  of  denial  of  jus- 
tice. Those  making  undue  claims 
shall  lose  the  right  to  inhabit  the 
country. 

Art.  12.  Extradition  for  politi- 
cal offenses  is  hereby  forbidden, 
even  in  case  that  a  common  offense 
has  been  committed  in  consequence 
thereof. 

Art.  13.  The  law  shall  estab- 
lish the  manner  and  the  cases  in 
which  a  foreigner  can  be  refused 
admission  into  the  territory  of  the 
Nation,  or  be  expelled  therefrom. 

TITLE  IV. 

CITIZENS. 

Art.  14.  Nicaraguan  citizens 
are  all  Nicaraguans  over  eighteen 
years  of  age. 

Art.  15.  Citizens  shall  have  the 
following  rights:  1.  The  right  to 
vote,  2.  the  right  to  hold  public 
office,  and  3.  the  right  to  carry 
arms,  all  of  which  is  subject  to  law. 

Art.  16.  The  rights  of  citizen- 
ship are  suspended: 

1.  By  an  order  of  arrest  or  a 
declaration  that  the  party  con- 
cerned should  be  subject  to  crimi- 
nal proceedings. 

2.  By  a  sentence  imposing  dis- 
ability for  the  exercise  of  political 
rights  during  the  term  of  the 
sentence. 

3.  By  a  sentence  imposing  pen- 
alties of  graver  character  than  the 
purely  correctional  ones. 

4.  By  accepting  employment  in 
the  service  of  foreign  nations, 
excepting  those  of  Spanish  Amer- 
ica, without  permission  of  the 
legislative  power,  if  the  person 
accepting  it  resides  in  Nicaragua. 

5.  For  mental  incapacity. 
Art.  17.  The  right  to  vote  can 

not  be  waived  and  is  compulsory 
for  all  citizens. 

Art.  18.  Suffrage  shall  be  di- 
rect and  secret. 


TfTtTLO  V. 

DE  LOS  DERECHOS  Y  GARANTIAS. 


CONSTITUTION.  303 

TITLE  V. 
RIGHTS  AND  GUARANTIES. 


Art.  19.  Se  garantiza  a  los  habi- 
tantes  de  la  nacion,  sean  nicara- 
giienses  6  extranjeros,  la  libertad, 
laseguridad  individual,  laigualdad 
y  la  propiedad. 

Art.  20.  La  pena  de  muerte 
solo  podra  aplicarse  por  los  delitos 
militares  graves  que  la  ley  deter- 
mine. 

Art.  21.  La  Constitucion  reco- 
noce  la  garantia  del  habeas  corpus. 
En  conseeuencia,  todo  habitante 
tiene  derecho  al  recurso  de  exhi- 
bicion  de  la  persona. 

Art.  22.  La  detencion  para 
inquirir  en  los  delitos  comunes  no 
podra  pasar  de  ocho  dias,  salvo  en 
los  distritos  judiciales  donde  las 
vias  de  comunicacion  no  sean 
expeditas,  en  los  cuales  se  agre- 
gara  ademas  el  termino  de  la  dis- 
tancia  a  efecto  de  poner  el  reo  a 
disposicion  del  juez  corapetente. 

Art.  23.  No  podra  proveerse 
auto  de  prision,  sin  que  preceda 
plena  prueba  de  haberse  cometido 
un  hecho  que  merezca  pena  mas 
que  correccional,  y  sin  que  resulte 
al  menos,  por  presuncion  grave, 
quien  sea  su  autor. 

Art.  24.  Nadie  puede  ser  juz- 
gado  por  eomisiones  especiales,  ni 
por  otros  jueces  que  los  designados 

Eor  la  ley,  con  anterioridad  al 
echo  que  origina  el  proceso. 

Art.  25.  Nadie  puede  ser  pri- 
vado  del  derecho  de  defensa.  'El 
proceso  sera  siempre  publico. 

Art.  26.  Se  prohibe  la  aplica- 
cion  de  penas  perpetuas  y  toda 
especie  de  tormentos. 

Art.  27.  La  habitacion  de  todo 
individuo  es  un  asilo  sagrado  que 
no  podra  allanarse  sino  en  los  casos 
siguientes: 

1°.  Para  extraer  a  un  criminal 
sorprendido  in  fraganti. 


Art.  19.  Liberty,  individual  se- 
curity, equality,  and  property  are 
guaranteed  to  the  inhabitants  of 
the  nation,  whether  Nicaraguans 
or  foreigners. 

Art.  20.  The  penalty  of  death 
shall  only  be  imposed  for  grave 
military  offenses  designated  by 
law. 

Art.  21.  The  Constitution  recog- 
nizes the  writ  of  habeas  corpus. 
In  consequence  thereof  every  in- 
habitant has  the  right  to  demand 
that  he  be  brought  personally 
before  the  court. 

Art.  22.  Detention  for  the  pur- 
poses of  investigation  in  cases  of 
common  offenses  shall  not  exceed 
eight  days,  except  in  the  judicial 
districts  where  the  means  of  com- 
munication are  difficult,  in  which 
case  the  time  required  on  account 
of  the  distance  to  place  the  pris- 
oner at  the  disposal  of  the  com- 
petent court  shall  be  added. 

Art.  23.  No  order  of  imprison- 
ment shall  be  issued  without  full 
proof  that  an  offense,  punishable 
with  a  penalt}^  greater  than  a 
purely  correctional  one,  has  been 
committed,  and  without  grave  pre- 
sumption, at  least,  that  the  party 
to  be  imprisoned  is  guilty. 

Art.  24.  No  one  shall  be  tried 
by  special  commissions,  or  by  any 
other  courts  than  those  established 
by  law  previous  to  the  act  which 
gave  rise  to  the  proceedings. 

Art.  25.  No  one  shall  be  de- 
prived of  the  right  of  defense. 
Trials  shall  always  be  public. 

Art.  26.  The  imposition  of  per- 
petual penalties  and  of  torture  of 
all  kinds  is  forbidden. 

Art.  27.  The  dwelling  place  of 
every  individual  is  a  sacred  asylum 
which  shall  not  be  entered  except 
in  the  following  cases: 

1.  When  a  criminal,  surprised  in 
flagrante  delicto,  takes  refuge  in  it. 


304 


REPUBLIC    OF    NICARAGUA. 


2°.  Por  cometerse  delito  en  el 
interior,  por  desorden  que  exija 
pronto  remedio,  6  por  reclama- 
cion  del  que  la  habita. 

3°.  En  caso  de  incendio,  terre- 
moto,  inundacion,  epidemia  iiotro 
analogo. 

4°.  Para  extraer  objetos  perse- 
guidos  en  virtud  de  un  proceso, 
precediendo  semiplena  prueba  de 
la  existencia  de  dichos  objetos,  6 
para  ejecutar  una  disposicion  judi- 
cial legalmente  decretada. 

5°.  Para  libertar  a  una  persona 
secuestrada  ilegalmente. 

6°.  Para  aprehender  a  un  reo 
contra  quien  se  haya  proveido  auto 
de  prision  6  detencion,  existiendo 
al  raenos  semiplena  prueba  de  que 
se  oculta  en  la  casa  que  debe  alla- 
narse. 

En  los  tres  ultimos  casos,  no  se 
podra  veriticar  el  allanamiento, 
sino  con  orden  escrita  de  autoridad 
competente. 

Sierapre  que  el  domiciiio  que 
haya  de  allanarse,  no  sea  el  del  reo 
a  quien  se  persigue,  la  autoridad  6 
sus  agentes  solicitaran  previa- 
mente  el  permiso  del  morador. 

Art.  28.  El  allanamiento  del 
domiciiio  en  los  casos  a  que  se 
refieren  los  incisos  4°  y  6°  del 
articulo  anterior,  no  se  podra  ve- 
riticar desde  las  siete  de  la  noche 
hasta  la  seis  de  la  manana,  sino 
con  el  permiso  de  su  dueno. 

Art.  29.  EnninguncasoelPoder 
Ejecutivo  ni  sus  agentes  podran 
sustraer,  abrir  ni  detener  la  cor- 
respondencia  epistolar  6  telegra- 
fica.  La  sustraida  de  las  estafetas 
6  de  cualquier  otro  lugar  no  hace 
fe  contra  ninguno. 

Art.  30.  Se  prohibe  dar  leyes 
prose  riptivas,  confiscatorias,  retro- 
activas  6  que  establezcan  penas  ills 
famantes. 

Art.  31.  Se  prohibe  la  prision 
por  deudas,  aunque  estas  procedan 
de  agricultura. 


2.  When  an  offense  is  commit- 
ted inside  the  dwelling;  when  some 
disturbance  requiring  prompt 
remed}'  has  taken  place  therein;  or 
when  so  requested  by  the  tenants. 

3.  In  case  of  tire,  earthquake, 
inundation,  epidemics,  or  any 
other  analogous  emergency. 

4.  To  take  possession,  by  order 
of  the  court,  of  objects  to  be 
found  therein,  or  to  execute  a 
judicial  order  legally  issued. 


5.  To  release  a  person  unlaw- 
fully sequestered. 

6.  To  arrest  parties  whose  im- 
prisonment has  been  ordered,  pro- 
vided that  there  is  sufficient  proof 
that  they  are  concealed  in  the  place. 


In  the  three  cases  last  mentioned, 
the  dwelling  place  shall  not  be  en- 
tered except  upon  written  order 
of  competent  authority. 

When  the  place  to  be  entered  is 
not  the  domicile  of  the  part}'  pur- 
sued, the  authority  or  its  agents 
shall  previously  ask  the  permission 
of  the  tenant. 

Art.  28.  The  entering  of  a  dom- 
icile, in  the  cases  referred  to  in 
clauses  4  and  6  of  the  preceding 
article,  shall  not  be  made  between 
the  hours  of  seven  p.  m.  and  six 
a.  m.,  except  by  permission  of  the 
owner. 

Art.  29.  In  no  case  shall  the 
Executive  power  or  its  agents  have 
authority  to  take  possession  of 
epistolary  or  telegraphic  corre- 
spondence, or  open,  or  retain  it. 
Intercepted  letters  or  telegrams 
shall  not  be  admitted  as  evidence. 

Art.  30.  The  enactment  of  pro- 
scription, confiscation,  and  ex  post 
facto  laws,  or  laws  imposing  penal- 
ties carrying  with  them  infamy, 
is  forbidden. 

Art.  31.  Imprisonment  for 
debts,  even  if  incurred  in  agricul- 
tural pursuits,  is  forbidden. 


CONSTITUTION. 


305 


Art.  32.  El  Estado  no  tiene  ni 
protege  religion  alguna,  pero  per- 
niite  todos  los  cultos  en  el  interior 
de  los  templos. 

Art.  33.  La  emision  del  pensa- 
miento  por  la  palabra  hablada  6 
escrita,  es  libre  y  la  ley  no  podra 
restringirla. 

Art.  34.  La  ensenanza  es  laica, 
la  primaria  obligatoria,  y  gratuita 
la  costeada  eon  fondos  publicos. 

Art.  35.  Ninguna  autoridad  po- 
dra impedir  las  reuniones  que 
tengan  tines  licitos. 

Art.  36.  Se  prohiben  los  estable- 
eimientos  con  ventuales  y  toda  espe- 
cie  de  instituciones  monasticas. 

Art.  37.  Toda  persona  legal- 
mente  capaz  es  libre  de  disponer 
de  sus  propiedades  por  venta,  do- 
nacion,  testamento  6  cualquier 
otro  titulo  legal. 

Art.  38.  Son  prohibidas  las  vin- 
culaeiones  y  toda  institucion  a  fa- 
vor de  manos  muertas. 

Art.  39.  Ninguna  autoridad 
podra  desoir  las  peticiones  que  se 
le  dirijan  y  debera  resolverlas  en 
los  terminos  tijados  por  la  ley. 

Art.  40.  Nadie  puede  ser  pri- 
vado  de  su  propiedad  sino  en 
virtud  de  sentencia  f  undada  en  ley 
6  por  causa  de  utilidad  publica. 
La  expropiacion  por  causa  de 
utilidad  publica  no  se  verificani 
sin  previa  indemnizacion  con- 
forme  a  la  ley.  En  caso  de  guerra 
no  es  indispensable  que  la  in- 
demnizacion sea  previa. 

Art.  41.  El  derecho  de  reivin- 
dicar  los  bienes  confiscados  es  im- 
prescriptible. 

Art.  42.  En  los  delitos  comunes 
no  se  impondra  pena  mas  que  cor- 
reccional,  sin  que  preceda  declara- 
toria  de  un  jurado  sobre  la  culpa  - 
bilidad  del  delincuente. 

Art.  43.  Es  prohibido  todo  mo  - 
nopolio. 

Art.  44.  Todos  tienen  derecho 
de  transitar  en  el  territorio  de  la 


Art.  32.  The  State  does  not  pro- 
fess or  protect  any  religion;  but 
permits  all  kinds  of  worship  inside 
the  temples. 

Art.  33.  The  expression  of 
thought,  orall\T  or  in  writing,  is 
free,  and  the  law  shall  not  re- 
strict it. 

Art.  34.  Education  shall  be 
laical,  and  primary  instruction 
compulsory.  When  supported  bjr 
public  funds  it  shall  be  gratuitous. 

Art.  35.  No  authority  shall  pre- 
vent the  holding  of  meetings  for 
lawful  purposes. 

Art.  36.  Convents  and  all  kinds 
of  monastic  institutions  are  for- 
bidden. 

Art.  37.  Every  person  legalty 
capable  of  exercising  his  rights 
shall  be  free  to  dispose  of  his  prop- 
erty by  sale,  donation,  last  will 
and  testament,  or  any  other  legal 
way  of  conveyance. 

Art.  38.  The  entailment  of 
property  and  every  endowment  in 
favor  of  dead  hands  is  forbidden. 

Art.  39.  No  authority  shall 
ignore  the  petitions  addressed  to 
it,  but  shall  act  upon  them  in  the 
manner  provided  by  law. 

Art.  40.  No  one  shall  be  de- 
prived of  his  property  except  by 
judicial  decision  founded  on  law,  or 
for  reason  of  public  utility.  Con- 
demnation for  public  use  shall  not 
be  made  without  previous  indem- 
nification according  to  law.  In 
case  of  war  it  is  not  indispensable 
for  the  indemnification  to  be  pre- 
vious. 

Art.  41.  The  right  to  recover 
confiscated  property  shall  never 
be  barred  by  limitation. 

Art.  42.  No  penalties  of  a  graver 
character  than  the  purely  correc- 
tional ones  shall  be  imposed  in  any 
case  of  common  offenses,  without 
previous  conviction  by  a  jury. 

Art.  43.  Monopolies  of  all  kinds 
are  forbidden. 

Art.  44.  Everyone  has  the  right 
to  travel  through  the  territory  of 


360  a— vol  1—06- 


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306 


REPUBLIC    OF    NICARAGUA. 


Republica  y  de  permanecer  en  el, 
sin  mas  restricciones  que  las  que 
la  ley  establece. 

Art.  45.  Las  garantias  expresa- 
das,  con  excepcion  de  las  que  pro- 
hiben  dar  leyes  contiscatorias  y  las 
que  consagran  la  inviolabilidad  de 
la  vida  humana,  podran  suspender- 
se  temporalmente  por  la  declarato- 
ria  de  estado  de  sitio. 

Art.  46.  Las  leyes  que  regla- 
menten  el  ejercicio  de  estas  garan- 
tias seran  ineficaces  en  cuanto  las 
disminuyan,restrinjanoadulteren. 

Art.  47.  El  funcionario  que  sin 
facultad  legal  restringiesecualquie- 
ra  de  las  garantias  consignadas  en 
este  Titulo,  estara  obligado  a  una 
indemnizacion  proporcional  al  da- 
no  causado,  sin  perjuicio  de  las  de- 
mas  responsabilidades  legales. 

TITULO  VI. 

DE  LA  FORMA  DE  GOBIERNO. 

Art.  48.  El  Gobierno  de  Nica- 
ragua es  republicano,  democratico 
y  representative  Se  compone  de 
tres  Poderes  independientes:  el 
Legislative,  el  Ejecutivo  3'  el 
Judicial. 

Art.  49.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
se  ejerce  por  una  Asamblea  de 
Diputados,  que  se  reunira  en  la 
capital  de  la  Republica  cada  dos 
anos,  el  dia  1°  de  diciembre,  sin 
necesidad  de  convocatoria. 

Art.  50.  Habra  cuarenta  sesio- 
nes  en  cada  reunion  ordinaria, 
que  podran  aumentarse  hasta 
sesenta,  a  juicio  de  la  Asamblea. 

Art.  51.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
tendra  tambien  sesiones  extraordi- 
narias  cuando  sea  convocado  por 
el  Ejecutivo,  y  en  tal  caso  solo 
tratara  de  los  asuntos  que  e"ste  le 
someta. 

Art.  52.  Instalada  la  Asamblea 
en  la  capital,  podra  acordar  trasla- 
darse  a  otra  poblacion. 

Art.  53.  Cinco  dias  antes  de  la 
fecha  senalada  para  la  instalacion 


the  Republic,  or  remain  therein, 
without  any  other  restrictions  than 
those  established  by  law. 

Art.  45.  The  guaranties  above 
named,  excepting  those  relating 
to  confiscation,  and  to  the  inviola- 
bility of  human  life,  may  be  tem- 
porarily suspended  b}'  the  declara- 
tion of  a  state  of  siege. 

Art.  46.  Laws  regulating  the 
exercise  of  these  guarantees  shall 
be  inefficient  in  so  much  as  they 
may  diminish,  restrict,  or  adul- 
terate the  same. 

Art.  47.  The  functionary  who, 
without  legal  authority,  should  re- 
strict any  of  the  guaranties  set 
forth  in  the  present  title  shall  be 
bound  to  pay  an  indemnity  propor- 
tional to  the  evil  done,  besides 
incurring  all  other  responsibilities 
established  by  law. 

TITLE  VI. 

FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

Art.  48.  The  Government  of 
Nicaragua  is  republican,  demo- 
cratic, and  representative.  It  con- 
sists of  three  independent  powers, 
namely,  the  legislative,  the  execu- 
tive, and  the  judicial. 

Art.  49.  The  legislative  power 
is  vested  in  an  Assembly  of  Depu- 
ties, which  shall  meet  in  the  capital 
of  the  Republic  every  two  years,  on 
the  1st  of  December,  without  the 
necessity  of  previous  convocation. 

Art.  50.  There  shall  be  forty 
meetings  in  each  ordinaiy  session, 
said  number  to  be  increased  to 
sixty  at  the  will  of  the  Assembly. 

Art.  51.  The  legislative  power 
shall  also  meet  in  extra  session 
when  called  to  do  so  by  the  Exe- 
cutive, and  in  this  case  it  shall  only 
deal  with  the  business  submitted 
to  it  by  the  latter. 

Art.  52.  The  Assembty,  after 
having  met  in  the  capital,  ma}r  re- 
solve to  move  to  some  other  city. 

Art.  53.  Five  days  before  the 
meeting  of  the  Assembly  the  Depu- 


CONSTITUTION. 


307 


de  la  Asamblea,  se  reuniran  los 
Diputados  en  Juntas  Preparatorias 
y  con  la  concurrencia  de  cinco,  por 
lo  menos,  organizaran  Directorio, 
y  dictaran  las  providencias  nece- 
sarias  para  la  reunion  de  los  de- 
mas,  y  la  solemne  instalacion  de  la 
Asamblea. 

Art.  54.  Lamayoriaabsolutade 
los  Diputados  electos  para  forma  r 
la  Asamblea,  con  arreglo  a  la 
lej',  sera  suficiente  para  celebrar 
sesiones. 

Art.  55.  Un  numero  de  diez 
Diputados  podra  convocar  extra- 
orainariamente  la  Asamblea  para 
cualquier  lugar  de  la  Republica, 
cuando  el  Ejecutivo  la  haya  disuel- 
to  6  haya  impedido  las  sesiones. 

Art.  56.  Los  Diputados  duraran 
en  el  ejercicio  de  su  cargo  seis 
anos  y  se  renovaran  por  terceras 
partes  cada  dos  anos. 

Art.  57.  Para  ser  Diputado  se 
requiere  la  calidad  de  ciudadano 
en  ejercicio  de  sus  derechos,  per- 
tenecer  al  estado  seglar  y  haber 
sido  electo  popularmente. 

Art.  58.  No  pueden  ser  Dipu- 
tados: 

1°.  Los  empleados  de  nombra- 
miento  del  Ejecutivo. 

2°.  Los  Magistrados  de  las  Cor- 
tes de  Justicia  y  los  jueces  de 
distrito. 

3°.  Los  deudos  del  Presidente  de 
la  Republica,  dentro  del  segundo 
grado  de  consanguinidad  6  afini- 
dad. 

4°.  Los  que  hubiesen  adminis- 
trado  6  recaudado  f ondos  publicos, 
mientras  no  hubiesen  finiquitado 
sus  cuentas. 

Art.  59.  Los  Diputados,  desde 
que  esten  electos,  gozaran  de  las 
siguientes  prerrogativas: 

1\  Inmunidad  personal  para  no 
ser  juzgados  por  los  tribunales,  si 
la  Asamblea  no  los  declara  previa- 
mente  con  lugar  a  formacion  de 
causa. 

2a.  No  ser  demandados  eivil- 
mente  desde  treintadias  antes  hasta 


ties  shall  hold  preparatory  meet- 
ings, and  shall,  with  the  concur- 
rence of  at  least  five  of  its  mem- 
bers, resolve  what  may  be  neces- 
sary for  the  attendance  of  the 
others  and  the  solemn  opening  of 
the  Assembly 

Art.  54.  An  absolute  majority 
of  the  members  of  the  Assembly 
shall  be  sufficient  quorum  to  trans- 
act business. 

Art.  55.  Ten  Deputies  shall  have 
power  to  call  an  extra  session  of 
the  Assembly  to  be  held  at  any 
place  in  the  Republic,  when  the 
Executive  has  dissolved  it  or  im- 
peded its  meetings. 

Art.  56.  Deputies  shall  serve  for 
six  3Tears  and  shall  be  renewed  by 
thirds  every  two  37ears. 

Art.  57.  To  be  a  Deputy,  it 
shall  be  necessary  to  be  a  citizen 
in  the  full  enjoyment  of  his  rights 
as  such,  not  to  belong  to  the 
ecclestastical  state,  and  to  be 
elected  by  the  people. 

Art.  58.  The  following  shall  not 
be  Deputies: 

1.  Employees  appointed  by  the 
Executive. 

2.  The  justices  of  the  tribunals 
and  the  district  judges.       , 

3.  The  relatives  of  the  President 
of  the  Republic  within  the  second 
degree  of  consanguinity  or  affinity. 

4.  Those  who  have  managed  or 
collected  public  funds,  pending  the 
auditing  and  approval  of  their 
accounts. 

Art.  59.  Deputies  shall  enjoy 
from  the  day  of  their  election  the 
following  privileges: 

1.  Personal  immunity  against 
trial  by  the  courts,  if  the  Assembly 
does  not  previously  declare  that 
there  is  reason  to  proceed  against 
them. 

2.  Not  to  be  sued  before  the 
civil  courts  during  a  period  begin- 


308 


REPUBLIC    OF    NICARAGUA. 


3uince  dias  despu^s  de  las  sesiones 
e  la  Asamblea. 

3a.  No  ser  llamados  al  servicio 
militar  sin  su  consentimiento. 

4a.  No  ser  extranados  de  la  Re- 
publica,  confinados  ni  privados  de 
su  libertad  por  ningun  motive 

Art.  60.  Los  Diputados  no  po- 
dran  obtener  empleos  del  Poder 
Ejecutivo,  durante  el  periodo  de 
sesiones,  salvo  los  de  Agentes 
diplomaticos,  Ministros  de  Estado 
y  prof  esores  de  ensenanza.  Por  la 
aceptacion  de  cargos  diplomaticos 
y  de  profesores  no  perderan  su 
calidad  de  Diputados;  pero  si  por 
la  de  Ministros  de  Estado. 

En  receso  de  la  Asamblea  podran 
obtener  cualquier  otro  nombra- 
miento  del  Ejecutivo,  y  por  la 
aceptacion  perderan  tambien  su 
calidad  de  Diputados. 

El  Ejecutivo  dara  cuenta  a  la 
Asamblea,  si  esta  estuviese  reunida, 
de  los  nombramientos  que  haya 
hecho,  para  que  ella  mande  re- 
pone  r  las  vacantes;  no  estando 
reunida,  las  mandara  reponer  el 
Ejecutivo. 

Art.  61.  Para  elegir  Diputados 
a  la  Asamblea  se  dividira  el  territo- 
rio  de  la  Republica  en  distritos 
electorates,  que  constaran  de  diez 
mil  habitantes  6  de  una  fraccion 
que  no  baje  de  cinco  mil. 

TTTUiLO  VII. 

DE  LAS  ATRIBUCIONES  DEL  PODER 
LEGISLATIVE 

Art.  62.  Corresponden  a  la 
Asamblea  Legislativa  las  atribu- 
ciones  siguientes: 

la.  Abrir  y  cerrar  sus  sesiones, 
calificar  la  eleccion  de  sus  miem- 
bros,  aprobar  6  no  sus  credenciales 
y  recibirles  la  promesa  de  ley. 


ning  thirty  days  before  and  ending 
fifteen  da}rs  after  the  sessions  of 
the  Assembly. 

3.  Not  to  be  called  to  do  military 
service  without  their  consent. 

4.  Not  to  be  banished  from  the 
Republic,  compelled  to  reside  in  a 
certain  place,  or  deprived  of  their 
liberty  for  any  reason  whatever. 

Art.  60.  Deputies  shall  not 
obtain  positions  from  the  execu- 
tive power  during  the  sessions  of 
the  Assembly,  excepting  those  of 
diplomatic  agents,  ministers  of 
state,  and  professors.  For  the 
acceptance  of  diplomatic  positions, 
and  professorships  they  shall  not 
lose  their  seats  in  the  Assembly, 
but  they  shall  lose  them  b}^  becom- 
ing ministers  of  state. 

When  the  Assembly  is  not  in 
session,  they  may  obtain  any  other 
office  from  the  Executive,  but  by 
their  acceptance  thereof  thej^  shall 
also  lose  their  seats. 

The  Executive  shall  report  to 
the  Assembly,  if  it  is  in  session,  the 
appointments  which  may  have  been 
made,  in  order  that  a  resolution  be 
passed  ordering  the  places  to  be 
filled.  If  the  Assembly  is  not  in 
session,  this  order  shall  be  made  by 
the  Executive. 

Art.  61.  For  the  el  ction  of 
Deputies  to  the  Assembly,  the  ter- 
ritory of  the  Republic  shall  be 
divided  into  electoral  districts,  each 
one  containing  ten  thousand  inhabi- 
tants or  a  fraction  thereof,  consist- 
ing of  not  less  than  five  thousand. 

TITLE  VII. 

POWERS  OF  THE  LEGISLATIVE 
BODY. 

Art.  62.  The  following  powers 
are  vested  in  the  Legislative  As- 
sembly: 

1.  To  open  and  close  its  sessions, 
be  the  judge  of  the  election  of  its 
members,  approve  or  disapprove 
their  credentials,  and  to  receive 
from  them  the  promise  of  law. 


CONSTITUTION. 


309 


2a.  Llamar  a  los  suplentes  res- 
pectivos,  en  caso  de  falta  absoluta 
6  de  legitimo  impedimento  de  los 
propietarios,  y  mandar  reponer 
las  vacantes  que  ocurran. 

3a.  Admitir  las  renuncias  que 
presenten  los  Diputados,  si  las 
fundan  en  causas  legales  debida- 
mente  comprobadas. 

4*.  Formar  su  reglamento  in- 
terior. 

5a.  Decretar,  interpretar,  refor- 
mar  y  derogar  las  leyes. 

6a.  Crear  y  suprimir  empleos, 
establecer  pensiones,  decretar 
honores  y  conceder  amnistias. 

7a.  Disponertodoloconveniente 
a  la  seguridad  y  defensa  de  la 
Republica. 

8a.  Hacer  el  escrutinio  de  votos 
en  la  eleccion  de  Presidente  de  la 
Republica,  y  proclamar  electo  al 
ciudadano  que  hubiere  obtenido 
tnayoria  absoluta. 

9a.  En  caso  de  no  haber  mayoria 
absoluta,  declarar  electo  Presi- 
dente de  la  Republica  al  que  hu- 
biere obtenido  mayoria  relativa. 
Si  hubiere  empate  en  la  votacion 
popular,  la  Asamblea  elegira  Pre- 
sidente entre  los  ciudadanos  que 
tuvieren  igual  numero  de  votos. 

10a.  Cuando  concurran  en  un 
mismo  individuo  diversas  eleccio- 
nes,  sera  determinada  la  prefe- 
rencia  en  el  orden  siguiente:  1° 
Presidente  de  la  Republica;  2° 
Diputado  propietario;  3°  Dipu- 
tado  suplente. 

lla.  Recibir  la  promesa  consti- 
tucional  a  los  f  uncionarios  que  elija 
6  declare  electos,  y  admitirles  6  no 
su  renuncia. 

12a.  Designar  cada  dos  anos  tres 
de  sus  miembros  para  reponer  al 
Presidente  de  la  Republica,  cuando 
ocurra  su  falta  absoluta,  6  tempo- 
ral. En  los  Designados  no  podra 
recaer  ninguna  otra  eleccion  ni 
nombramiento  del  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo,  si  no  es  el  de  profesores  de 
ensenanza. 


2.  To  call  the  respective  substi- 
tutes in  case  that  the  regular  mem- 
bers can  not  through  legitimate 
cause  be  present,  and  order  new 
elections  in  cases  of  vacancy. 

3.  To  accept  the  resignation  of 
its  members  if  tendered  upon  legal 
causes  duly  proven. 

4.  To  make  rules  for  its  interior 
government. 

5.  To  enact,  construe,  amend, 
and  repeal  the  laws. 

6.  To  create  and  abolish  offices, 
grant  pensions,  honors,  and  am- 
nesties. 

7.  To  provide  everything  con- 
ducive to  the  security  and  internal 
defense  of  the  Republic. 

8.  To  count  the  votes  for  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic,  and  proclaim 
the  election  of  the  citizen  who  has 
obtained  absolute  majority. 

9.  To  declare  elected  President 
of  the  Republic,  in  case  that  there 
is  no  absolute  majorit}^,  the  citizen 
who  has  obtained  relative  ma- 
jority. If  the  popular  vote  is 
equalty  divided,  the  Assembly 
shall  elect  the  President  from 
among  the  citizens  having  equal 
number  of  votes. 

10.  When  the  same  individual 
has  been  elected  for  several  posi- 
tions, the  order  of  preference  shall 
be  as  follows:  First,  President  of 
the  Republic;  second,  Deputy; 
third,  Substitute  Deputy. 

11.  To  receive  the  constitutional 
promise  from  the  functionaries 
elected  or  declared  elected  by  it, 
and  to  accept  or  refuse  to  accept 
their  resignations. 

12.  To  appoint  every  two  years 
three  of  its  members  to  replace  the 
President  of  the  Republic,  when 
an  absolute  or  temporary  vacancy 
occurs.  These  "  Designados"  are 
not  eligible  for  any  other  position, 
nor  shall  they  be  qualified  to  exer- 
cise any  executive  office,  unless  it 
is  as  professors. 


310 


REPUBLIC    OF    NICARAGUA. 


13".  Declarar  con  lugar  a  forma- 
eion  de  causa  al  Presidente  de  la 
Repiiblica,  Secretarios  de  Estado, 
Diputados,  Agentes  diplomaticos, 
y  Magistrados  de  la  Corte  Suprema 
de  Justicia  y  de  las  Cortes  de 
Apelaciones. 

14a.  Cambiar  la  residencia  de  los 
Supremos  Poderes  por  causas 
graves. 

15a.  Decretar  premios  37  con- 
ceder  privilegios  temporales  a  los 
autores  6  inventores,  y  a  los  que 
hayan  introducido  industrias  nue- 
vas  de  utilidad  general,  6  perfec- 
cionado  las  existentes. 

16a.  Acordar  subvenciones  para 
objetos  de  utilidad  publica,  y  sub- 
sidios  6  primas  que  tiendan  a  pro- 
mover  nuevas  industrias  6  mejorar 
las  existentes. 

17a.  Conceder  6  negar  permiso 
a  los  nicaragiienses  para  aceptar 
empleos  de  otras  naciones  que  no 
sean  las  de  Hispanoamerica. 

18".  Aprobar  6  improbar  la  con- 
ducta  del  Ejecutivo. 

19a.  Aprobar,   modificar  6  im- 

f>robar  los  tratados  celebrados  con 
as  naciones  extranjeras. 

20a.  Reglamentar  el  comercio 
maritimo  y  terrestre. 

21a.  Aprobar  6  improbar  las 
cuentas  de  los  gastos  publicos. 

22a.  Fijar  cada  dos  anos  el  presu- 
puesto  de  gastos. 

23a.  Imponer  contribuciones. 

24a.  Decretar  la  enajenacion  6 
arrendamiento  de  los  bienes  na- 
cionales,  y  su  aplicacion  a  usos 
publicos,  6  autorizar  al  Ejecutivo 
para  que  lo  haga  sobre  bases  con- 
venientes  a  la  Republica. 

25a.  Decretar  emprestitos  ex- 
tranjeros  y  reglamentar  el  pago 
de  la  deuda  nacional,  6  acordar  las 
bases  para  que  lo  haga  el  Poder 
Ejecutivo. 

26a.  Habilitar  puertos,  crear, 
trasladar,  suprimir  aduanas,  6  dic- 
tar  las  reglas  con  que  deba  hacerlo 
el  Ejecutivo. 


13.  To  grant  permission  for  the 
criminal  prosecution  of  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic,  secretaries 
of  state,  deputies,  diplomatic 
agents,  justices  of  the  supreme 
court  and  of  the  courts  of  appeals. 

14.  To  order  for  grave  reasons 
the  change  of  residence  of  the 
supreme  powers. 

15.  To  grant  rewards  and  tem- 
porary privileges  to  authors  and 
inventors,  and  to  those  who  have 
introduced  new  industries  of  gen- 
eral usefulness  or  improved  those 
in  existence. 

16.  To  grant  subsidies,  bounties, 
and  rewards  for  purposes  of  public 
utility  and  the  promotion  of  new 
industries  or  the  improvement  of 
the  existing  ones. 

17.  To  grant  or  refuse  permis- 
sion to  Nicaraguans  to  accept  of- 
fices from  foreign  nations,  except 
the  nations  of  Spanish  America. 

18.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
the  conduct  of  the  Executive. 

19.  To  approve,  amend,  or  dis- 
approve the  treaties  concluded 
with  foreign  nations. 

20.  To  regulate  the  commerce 
by  land  and  sea. 

21 .  To  approve  or  disapprove  the 
accounts  of  the  public  expenses. 

22.  To  appropriate  every  two 
years  the  amounts  required  to  meet 
the  national  expenses. 

23.  To  levy  taxes. 

24.  To  order  national  property 
to  be  sold,  leased,  or  applied  to 
public  uses,  or  authorize  the  exec- 
utive to  do  the  same,  in  the  manner 
most  profitable  to  the  Republic. 

25.  To  order  foreign  loans  to  be 
negotiated,  and  make  rules  for  the 
payment  of  the  national  debt,  or 
establish  the  bases  upon  which  the 
Executive  may  do  the  same. 

26.  To  open  ports  to  the  foreign 
commerce,  and  create,  transfer,  or 
abolish  custom-houses,  or  make 
rules  according  to  which  the  Ex- 
ecutive ma}T  do  the  same. 


CONSTITUTION. 


311 


27a.  Decretar  el  peso,  ley  y  tipo 
de  la  moneda  nacional. 

28a.  Declarar  la  guerra  y  hacer 
la  paz,  6  autorizar  para  que  lo 
haga  al  Ejecutivo. 

29a.  Fijar  en  cada  reunion  ordi- 
naria  el  niimero  de  fuerzas  que 
deban  mantenerse  en  pie. 

30a.  Permitir  6  negar  el  transito 
de  tropas  de  otro  pais  por  el  fcerri- 
torio  de  la  Repiiblica,  y  autorizar 
la  salida  de  tropas  nacionales  f  uera 
del  territorio  de  Nicaragua.  En 
estado  de  guerra,  tendra  estas 
atribuciones  el  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

31a.  Declarar  en  estado  de  sitio 
la  Repiiblica  6  parte  de  ella,  con- 
forme  a  la  ley. 

32a.  Conferir  grados  de  General 
de  Division  6  de  Brigada,  a  inicia- 
tiva  del  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

33a.  Decretar  el  escudo  de  arraas 
y  el  pabellon  de  la  Repiiblica. 

34a.  Conceder  indultos  6  con- 
mutacion  de  penas,  a  iniciativa  del 
Poder  Ejecutivo,  previo  informe 
favorable  del  Poder  Judicial. 

35a.  Conceder  premios  6  recom- 
pensas  por  servicios  eminentes 
prestados  a  la  Nacion. 

36a.  Aprobar  6  no  los  contratos 
que  celebre  el  Ejecutivo  con  par- 
ticulares  6  companias,  sobre  em- 
prestitos  extranjeros,  coloniza- 
cion,  navegacion  y  demas  obras  de 
utilidad,  siempre  que  entranen 
privilegios  temporales  y  compro- 
metan  las  rentas  publicas  6  bienes 
de  la  Nacion,  6  cuando  en  ellos  se 
disponga  de  sumas  no  votadas  en 
el  presupuesto. 

37a.  Delegar  en  el  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo la  facultad  de  legislar,  en  su 
receso,  en  los  ramos  de  Hacienda, 
Guerra,  Policia,  Fomento  y  Ma- 
rina, sin  oponerse  al  espiritu  de 
la  Constitucion  y  las  leyes. 

Art.  63.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
no  podra  suplir  6  declarar  el  es- 


27.  To  decree  the  weight,  fine- 
ness, and  denominations  of  the 
national  coin. 

28.  To  declare  war  and  make 
peace,  or  authorize  the  Executive 
to  do  the  same. 

29.  To  fix  in  each  ordinary  ses- 
sion the  number  of  troops  com- 
posing the  standing  arnry. 

30.  To  allow  or  disallow  the 
transit  of  troops  from  other  coun- 
tries through  the  territory  of  the 
Republic,  and  authorize  national 
forces  to  leave  the  Nicaraguan  ter- 
ritory. During  a  state  of  war 
the  Executive  shall  be  vested  with, 
these  powers. 

31.  To  declare  according  to  law 
the  territory  of  the  Republic,  or 
a  portion  thereof,  in  a  state  of  siege. 

32.  To  appoint  major-generals 
or  brigadier-generals,  upon  nomi- 
nation by  the  Executive. 

33.  To  decree  the  coat  of  arms 
and  the  flag  of  the  Republic. 

34.  To  grant  pardons,  or  com- 
mutations of  sentences,  upon  rec- 
ommendation of  the  Executive  and 
previous  favorable  report  of  the 
judicial  power. 

35.  To  grant  rewards  or  recom- 
penses for  eminent  services  ren- 
dered to  the  Nation. 

36.  To  approve,  or  disapprove, 
the  contracts  entered  into  by  the 
Executive  with  private  individuals 
or  companies,  respecting  foreign 
loans,  colonization,  navigation,  and 
works  of  public  utility,  whenever 
the  said  contracts  imply  the  con- 
cession of  temporary  privileges, 
affect  the  public  revenue,  or  the 
property  of  the  Nation,  or  involve 
the  payment  of  moneys  not  in- 
cluded in  the  budget. 

37.  To  delegate  to  the  Execu- 
tive the  power  to  legislate,  during 
its  recess,  on  the  subjects  of  Fi- 
nances, War,  Police,  Promotion 
of  Public  Welfare,  and  the  Navy, 
without  opposing  the  spirit  of  the 
Constitution  and  the  laws. 

Art.  63.  The  legislative  power 
shall  not  make  any  alteration  of,  or 


312 


REPUBLIC    OF   NICARAGUA. 


tado  civil  de  las  personas,  ni  con- 
ceder  titulos  acaaemicos  y  litera- 
rios. 

tItulo  viri. 

DE  LA  FORMACI6N,  SANCTON  Y 
PROMULGACTON  DE  LA  LEY. 

Art.  64.  Tienen  exclusivamente 
la  iniciativa  de  la  ley  los  Diputa- 
dos,  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica 
por  medio  de  los  Secretarios  de 
Estado,  y  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia  en  asuntos  de  su  compe- 
tencia. 

Art.  65.  Ningun  proyecto  de  ley 
sera  definitivamente  votado,  sino 
despues  de  doa  deliberaciones  ef  ec- 
tuadas  en  distintos  dias,  salvo  el 
caso  de  urgencia,  calificada  por 
cuatro  quintos  de  votos,  en  que  se 
dara  un  solo  debate. 

Art.  66.  Todo  proyecto  de  ley, 
una  vez  aprobado  por  la  Asamblea, 
se  pasara  al  Ejecutivo  a  mas  tar- 
dar  dentro  de  tres  dias  de  haber 
sido  votado,  a  fin  de*  que  le  de  su 
sancion  y  lo  haga  promulgar  como 
ley. 

Art.  67.  Si  el  Presidente,  de 
acuerdo  con  el  Consejo  de  Minis- 
tros,     encontrase    inconvenientes 

f)ara  sancionar  el  proyecto  de  ley, 
o  devolvera  a  la  Asamblea  dentro 
de  diez  dias,  exponiendo  las  razo- 
nes  en  que  funde  su  desacuerdo. 
Si  en  el  termino  expresado  no  lo 
objetase,  se  tendra  por  sancionado 
y  lo  publicara  como  ley.  Cuando 
el  Ejecutivo  devolviese  el  pro- 
yecto, la  Asamblea  lo  sujetara  a 
una  nueva  deliberacion,  y  si  fuese 
ratificado  por  dos  tercios  de  votos, 
lo  pasara  de  nuevo  al  Ejecutivo, 
con  esta  formula:  "  Ratificado 
constitucionalmente."  y  aquel  lo 
hara  publicar  sin  demora. 

Art.  68.  Los  proyectos  de  ley 
que  la  Asamblea  vote  en  los  cinco 
ultimos  dias  de  sesiones,  y  que  el 
Ejecutivo  juzgue  inconveniente 
sancionar,  seran    devueltos    a    la 


any  declaration  in  regard  to,  the 
civil  status  of  any  person,  nor 
shall  it  grant  academic  or  literary 
titles. 

TITLE  VIII. 

THE  ENACTMENT,  APPROVAL,  AND 
PROMULGATION  OF  LAWS. 

Art.  64.  Exclusive  power  to 
originate  legislation  is  vested  in 
the  Deputies,  the  President  of  the 
Republic  through  the  secretaries 
of  state,  and  the  Supreme  Court  of 
justice  in  matters  within  its  juris- 
diction. 

Art.  65.  No  bill  shall  be  finally 
voted  upon,  which  has  not  been 
discussed  in  two  meetings  held  on 
different  days,  except  in  case  of 
urgenc}T,  when  declared  to  exist  by 
a  four-fifths  vote,  in  which  case 
only  one  debate  shall  be  permitted. 

Art.  66.  All  bills  after  having 
been  approved  by  the  Assembly 
shall  be  sent  to  the  Executive 
within  three  days  after  their  pas- 
sage, in  order  that  they  may  be  ap- 
proved and  promulgated. 

Art.  67.  If  the  President,  upon 
the  advice  of  the  council  of  min- 
isters, should  object  to  a  bill,  he 
shall  return  it  to  the  Assembly 
within  ten  days,  with  an  explana- 
tion of  the  reasons  upon  which  he 
bases  his  disapproval.  If  no  ob- 
jection is  made  to  a  bill  during  the 
period  aforesaid,  it  shall  be  con- 
sidered approved,  and  published 
as  law.  When  the  Executive  re- 
turns a  bill,  the  Assembly  shall 
submit  it  to  a  new  deliberation, 
and  if  it  is  ratified  by  a  two-thirds 
vote  it  shall  be  sent  again  to  the 
Executive  with  this  indorsement: 
"  Constitutionally  ratified."  The 
Executive  shall  then  publish  it 
without  delay. 

Art.  68.  Bills  passed  by  the 
Assembly  in  the  last  five  days  of 
the  session,  which  the  Executive 
does  not  deem  it  advisable  to  ap- 
prove, shall   be  returned   to  the 


CONSTITUTION. 


313 


Asamblea  con  las  observaciones 
correspondientes  en  los  diez  prime- 
rosdias  de  lassesiones  inmediatas. 

Art.  69.  Cuando  un  proyecto  de 
ley  f  uere  deseehado,  no  podra  pro- 
ponerse  de  nuevo  sino  hasta  en  la 
legislatura  siguiente. 

Art.  70.  No  es  necesaria  la  san- 
cion  del  Ejecutivo  en  los  decretos 
y  resoluciones  siguientes: 

1.  En  las  elecciones  que  el  Con- 
greso  haga  6  declare,  y  en  las  re- 
nuncias  que  adinita  6  deseche. 

2.  En  las  declaratorias  de  haber 
6  no  lugar  a  formacion  de  causa. 

3.  En  la  le3T  del  presupuesto. 

4.  En  los  decretos  que  se  re- 
fieran  a  la  conducta  del  Ejecutivo. 

5.  En  los  reglamentos  que  ex- 
pida  para  su  regimen  interior. 

6.  En  los  acuerdos  para  trasla- 
dar  su  residencia  a  otro  lugar, 
para  suspender  sus  sesiones,  6  pro- 
rrogarlas. 

Art.  71.  Siempre  que  un  pro- 
yecto de  ley  que  no  proceda  de 
iniciativa  de  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia,  tenga  por  objeto  re- 
formar  6  derogar  disposiciones 
contenidas  en  los  Codigos  Oivil, 
Penal,  de  Comercio,  de  Minas, 
6  de  Procedimientos,  no  podra  dis- 
cutirse  sin  oir  la  opinion  de  aquel 
Tribunal,  quien  la  emitira  durante 
las  mismas  sesiones,  6  en  las  siguien- 
tes, segun  la  extension,  impor- 
tancia,  6  urgencia  del  proyecto. 

TITULO  IX. 
DEL  PODER  EJECUTIVO. 

Art.  72.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo  se 
ejerce  por  un  ciudadano  que  se 
denomina  Presidente  de  la  Repii- 
blica. 

Art.  73.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Repfiblica  debe  ser  ciudadano  en 
ejercicio  de  sus  derechos,  del 
estado  seglar,  y  natural  de  Nica- 
ragua, 6  de  cualquiera  otra  de  las 
Republicas  de  Centro  America. 


Assembly  with  the  proper  objec- 
tions, during  the  first  ten  days  of 
the  immediate  session. 

Art.  69.  Rejected  bills  shall  not 
be  reintroduced  until  the  next  ses- 
sion of  the  Assembly. 

Art.  70.  The  following  decrees 
and  resolutions  shall  not  require 
the  approval  of  the  Executive: 

1.  Those  relating  to  elections 
made  or  declared  by  the  Assembly 
or  to  acceptances  or  refusals  to 
accept  resignations. 

2.  Those  granting  permis.-  .on 
for  criminal  prosecutions. 

3.  Appropriation  bills. 

4.  Acts  and  resolutions  relating 
to  the  conduct  of  the  Executive. 

5.  Rules  for  the  interior  gov- 
ernment of  the  Assembly. 

6.  Resolutions  providing  for  the 
transfer  of  the  residence  of  the 
Assembly  to  some  other  place,  or 
for  its  adjournment. 

Art.  71.  No  bill  having  for  its 
object  the  amendment  or  repeal  of 
any  provision  contained  in  the 
Civil,  Penal,  Commercial,  Mining, 
or  Procedure  Codes  of  the  Repub- 
lic, not  originated  in  the  Supreme 
Court  of  justice,  shall  be  discussed 
without  first  hearing  the  opinion 
of  said  court,  said  opinion  to  be 
given  according  to  the  impor- 
tance, urgency,  or  magnitude  of 
the  reform,  either  during  the  same 
session  of  the  Assembly  or  in  the 
next. 

TITLE  IX. 

EXECUTIVE  POWER. 

Art.  72.  The  executive  power 
is  vested  in  a  citizen  to  be  known 
as  the  President  of  the  Republic. 

Art.  73.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  be  a  citizen  in  the 
full  exercise  of  his  rights,  not  be- 
longing to  the  ecclesiastical  state, 
and  a  native  of  Nicaragua  or  of 
any  of  the  other  Republics  of  Cen- 
tral America. 


314 


REPUBLIC    OF    NICARAGUA. 


Art.  74.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  sera  electo  directamente 
por  el  voto  de  los  nicaragiienses. 

Art.  75.  Elperiodopresidencial 
sera  de  seis  anos  y  comenzara  el 
primero  de  Enero  del  ano  siguien- 
te  a  la  eleccion. 

Art.  76.  En  caso  de  falta  abso- 
luta  6  temporal  del  Presidente  de 
la  Republica,  el  Poder  Ejecutivo 
quedara  a  cargo  de  uno  de  los 
Designados,  sacado  a  la  suerte  por 
el  Consejo  de  Ministros  de  entre 
los  tres  que  haya  electo  la  Asam- 
blea. 

A  rt.  77.  Mientras  recibe  la  Pre- 
sidencia  el  llamado  por  la  ley, 
ejercera  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  el  Mi- 
nistro  de  la  Gobernacion,  quien 
dara  posesion  al  Designado  corres- 
pondiente,  cuando  no  estuviese 
reunida  la  Asamblea. 

Art.  78.  Cuando  el  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  tenga  que  deposi- 
tar  el  poder,  lo  hara  en  cualquiera 
de  los  Diputados  a  la  Asamblea 
legislativa.  Si  la  Asamblea  estu- 
viere  reunida,  ella  designara  la 
persona  en  quien  deba  hacerse  el 
deposito. 

Art.  79.  Siempre  que  el  Presi- 
dente de  la  Republica  quiera 
ponerse  al  frente  del  Ejercito, 
encargara  las  funciones  de  Jefe 
Supremo  de  la  nacion  al  que  debe 
sustituirlo  constitucionalmente,  y 
quedara  investido  solo  del  caracter 
de  General  en  Jefe  y  con  las  atri- 
buciones  de  Comandante  general. 

Trruxo  x. 

DE  LOS  DEBERES  Y  ATRIBUCIONES 
DEL  PODER  EJECUTIVO. 

Art.  80.  El  Presidente  de  la  Re- 

Sublica  es  el  Jefe  Supremo  de  la 
acion  y  el  Comandante  en  Jefe 
de  las  fuerzas  de  tierra  y  mar; 
tiene  a  su  cargo  la  administracion 
general  del  pais  y  las  atribuciones 
siguientes: 


Art.  74.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  be  elected  by  direct 
vote  of  the  Nicaraguan  people. 

Art.  75.  The  Presidential  term 
shall  be  six  years,  to  begin  on  the 
first  of  January,  in  the  year  fol- 
lowing the  election. 

Art.  76.  In  case  of  absolute  or 
temporary  vacancy  of  the  Presi- 
dency of  the  Republic,  the  execu- 
tive power  shall  be  entrusted  to 
one  of  the  "designados,"  chosen 
by  lot  by  the  council  of  ministers 
from  among  the  three  appointed 
by  the  Assembly. 

Art.  77.  Until  the  office  of  Pres- 
ident is  filled  by  the  person  called 
by  law,  the  executive  power  shall 
be  vested  in  the  secretary  of  gov- 
ernment, who  shall  give  posses- 
sion thereof  to  the  corresponding 
"Designado,"  when  the  Assembly 
is  not  in  session. 

Art.  78.  When  the  President  of 
the  Republic  has  to  deposit  the 
power,  he  shall  turn  it  over  to  any 
one  of  the  Deputies  of  the  Legis- 
lative Assembly.  If  the  Assembty 
is  in  session  it  shall  designate  the 
one  to  whom  the  power  shall  be 
entrusted. 

Art.  79.  Whenever  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic  decides  to 
put  himself  at  the  head  of  the 
army,  he  shall  transfer  the  func- 
tions of  supreme  chief  of  the 
Nation  to  the  functionary  consti- 
tutionally called  to  replace  him, 
and  shall  remain  vested  only  with 
the  power  of  General  in  chief,  and 
chief  commander. 

TITLE  X. 

DUTIES  AND  POWERS  OF  THE  EX- 
ECUTIVE. 

Art.  80.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  is  the  supreme  chief  of 
the  Nation  and  the  commander  in 
chief  of  the  forces  of  land  and  sea; 
he  has  in  his  charge  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  general  government 
of  the  country  and  the  following 
duties  and  powers: 


CONSTITUTION. 


315 


1.  Defender  la  independencia, 
el  honor  de  la  Nacion  y  la  integri- 
dad  de  su  territorio. 

2.  Ratificar  definitivamente  los 
tratados  que  tengan  por  objeto  la 
Union  de  Nicaragua  con  uno  6  mas 
Estados  de  Centro  America. 

3.  Ejecutar  y  hacer  cumplir  las 
leyes,  expidiendo  al  efecto  los  de- 
cretos  y  ordenes  condueentes,  sin 
alterar  el  espiritu  de  aquellas. 

4.  Nombrar  los  Secretarios  y 
Subsecretarios  de  Estado  y  los  de- 
mas  empleados  del  Ejecutivo,  con- 
forme  a  la  ley. 

5.  Conservar  la  paz  y  seguridad 
interior  de  la  Republica  y  repeler 
todo  ataque  y  agresion  exterior. 

6.  Vigilar  por  la  pronta  y  cum- 
plida  administracion  de  justicia, 
dando  a  los  f  uncionarios  del  Poder 
Judicial  los  auxilios  y  fuerza  que 
necesiten  para  hacer  efectivas  sus 
providencias. 

7.  Remover  a  los  empleados  de 
su  libre  nombramiento. 

8.  Conceder,  en  receso  de  la  As- 
amblea,  amnistias  cuando  lo  exija 
la  conveniencia  publica,y  conmutar 
la  pena  de  muerte  a  los  reos  conde- 
nados  a  ella  por  delitos  militares. 

9.  Convocar  a  la  Asamblea  a 
sesiones  extraordinarias. 

10.  Presentar,  por  medio  de  los 
Secretarios  de  Estado,  durante  los 
primeros  quince  dias  de  la  instala- 
cion  de  la  Asamblea,  un  informe 
de  todos  los  ramos  de  la  adminis- 
tracion. 

11.  Celebrar  tratados  y  cuales- 
quiera  otras  negociaciones  diplo- 
maticas,  y  someterlas  para  su  rati- 
ficacion  a  la  Asamblea  en  sus 
proximas  sesiones. 

12.  Dirigir  las  relaciones  exte- 
riores,  y  nombrar  Agentes  Diplo- 
maticos  y  Consulares  de  la  Repu- 
blica, recibir  Ministros  y  admitir 
Consules  de  las  naciones  extran- 
jeras. 

13.  Hacer  que  se  recauden  las 
rentas  de  la  Republica  y  reglamen- 


1.  To  defend  the  independence 
and  honor  of  the  Nation,  and  the 
integrity  of  its  territory. 

2.  To  finally  ratify  the  treaties 
having  for  their  object  the  union 
of  Nicaragua  to  one  or  more  States 
of  Central  America. 

3.  To  execute  and  cause  others 
to  execute  the  laws,  for  which  pur- 
pose he  shall  issue  the  proper  or- 
ders and  decrees  without  changing 
the  spirit  of  said  laws. 

4.  To  appoint  according  to  law 
the  secretaries  and  assistant  secre- 
taries of  state  and  all  other  Execu- 
tive officials. 

5.  To  preserve  the  peace  and 
internal  safety  of  the  Republic  and 
repel  all  foreign  attacks  or  aggres- 
sions. 

6.  To  watch  over  the  prompt  and 
faithful  administration  of  justice, 
rendering  to  the  functionaries  of 
the  judicial  power  all  the  assist- 
ance required  for  the  enforcement 
of  their  decisions. 

7.  To  remove  officials  whose  ap- 
pointment belongs  solely  to  him. 

8.  To  grant  amnesties,  when 
Congress  is  in  recess,  if  so  re- 
quired by  the  public  good,  and  to 
commute  the  sentences  of  death 
imposed  for  militant  offenses. 

9.  To  call  the  Assembly  to  con- 
vene in  extra  session. 

10.  To  submit  through  the  sec- 
retaries of  state,  within  the  first 
fifteen  daj7s  after  the  meeting  of 
the  Assembly,  a  report  on  all  the 
branches  of  the  administration. 

11.  To  conclude  treaties  and  all 
kinds  of  diplomatic  arrangements, 
and  submit  them  for  ratification 
to  the  Assembly  at  the  next  ses- 
sion. 

12.  To  conduct  the  foreign  rela- 
tions, appoint  diplomatic  and  con- 
sular agents  of  the  Republic,  and 
receive  ministers  and  consuls  of 
foreign  nations. 

13.  To  cause  the  revenues  of  the 
Republic  to  be  collected,  and  to 


316 


REPUBLIC    OF   NICARAGUA. 


tar  su  inversion  con  arreglo  a  la 
ley. 

14.  Decretar,  en  los  casos  de 
invasion  6  rebelion,  si  los  recursos 
del  Estado  fuesen  insuficientes, 
empre"stitos  generales,  voluntarios 
6  forzosos,  de  cu}ra  inversion  dara 
cuenta  a  la  Asamblea  en  sus  proxi- 
rnas  sesiones. 

15.  Conferir  grados  militares 
hasta  el  de  Coronel  en  tiempo  de 
paz  y  los  de  Generales  de  Division 
y  de  Brigada  en  campafia,  y  hacer 
iniciativa  a  la  Asamblea  para  que 
de  estos  misnios  grados  en  tiempo 
de  paz. 

16.  Mandar  las  fuerzas  milita- 
res, organizarlas  y  distribuirlas  de 
conformidad  con  la  ley  y  segun  las 
necesidades  de  la  Republica. 

17.  Conceder  patentes  de  corso 
y  cartas  de  represalia. 

18.  Declarar  en  estado  de  sitio 
la  Republica  6  parte  de  ella,  en  los 
casos  de  agresion  extrafia  6  rebe-  • 
lion  interior,  en  receso  de  la  Asam- 
blea y  de  conformidad  con  la  ley. 


19.  Conceder  cartas  de  naturali- 
zacion. 

20.  Fomentar  la  instruccion  pu- 
blica  y  difundir  la  ensenanza 
popular. 

21.  Sancionar  las  lej'es,  usar  del 
veto  en  los  casos  que  corresponde 
y  promulgar  sin  demora  aquellas 
disposiciones  legislatives  que  no 
necesiten  de  la  sancion  del  Ejecu- 
tivo. 

22.  Mandar  reponer  las  vacantes 
de  Diputados  en  receso  del  Poder 
Legislative,  de  conformidad  con 
la  ley,  a  mas  tardar  dentro  de  un 
mes  de  ocurridas. 

23.  Publicar  mensualmente  el 
estado  de  ingresos  y  egresos  de  las 
rentas  publicas. 

24.  Vigilar  sobre  la  exactitud 
legal  de  la  moneda,  cuidar  de  la  uni- 
formidad  de  las  pesas  y  medidas,  y 
ejercer  la  suprema  direccion  de  la 
policia. 


regulate  the  expenditure  of   the 
same  according  to  law. 

14.  To  contract,  in  cases  of  inva- 
sion or  revolution,  if  the  resources 
of  the  State  are  insufficient,  gen- 
eral loans,  either  voluntary  or 
forced,  the  use  of  which  shall  be 
reported  to  the  Assembly  at  the 
next  session. 

15.  To  make,  in  times  of  peace, 
all  military  appointments  up  to 
that  of  colonel,  inclusive,  and 
to  nominate  for  the  positions  of 
major-general  or  brigadier-gen- 
eral; and  to  make  the  latter  ap- 
pointments in  times  of  war. 

16.  To  command  the  military 
forces,  and  organize  and  distribute 
them  according  to  law  and  the  ne- 
cessities of  the  Republic. 

IT.  To  grant  letters  of  mark  and 
reprisals. 

18.  To  declare  in  conformity 
with  the  law  the  territory  of  the  Re- 
public, or  a  portion  thereof,  in  a 
state  of  siege,  in  cases  of  foreign 
aggression,  or  domestic  rebellion, 
when  the  Assembly  is  not  in  ses- 
sion. 

19.  To  grant  letters  of  naturali- 
zation. 

20.  To  promote  public  instruc- 
tion and  diffuse  popular  educa- 
tion. 

21.  To  approve  the  laws,  or  veto 
them,  as  the  case  ma}7  be,  and  pro- 
mulgate without  delay  all  legisla- 
tive measures  not  requiring  the 
approval  of  the  Executive. 

22.  To  order  during  the  recess 
of  the  Assembly  the  vacant  seats 
of  Deputies  to  be  filled  according 
to  law,  the  election  to  be  made  at 
the  latest  within  one  month  after 
the  vacancies  occur. 

23.  To  publish  monthly  a  state- 
ment of  the  Government  receipts 
and  expenditures. 

24.  To  watch  over  the  legal  cor- 
rectness of  the  national  coin,  fix 
the  standard  of  weights  and  meas- 
ures, and  exercise  supreme  direc- 
tion of  the  police. 


CONSTITUTION. 


317 


25.  Atender  a  la  seguridad  in- 
terior y  defensa  exterior  del  pais. 

26.  Celebrar  toda  clase  de  con- 
tratos  para  proveer  a  las  necesi- 
dades  de  la  Administracion,  y 
someter  a  la  ratificacion  de  la 
Asamblea  Legislativa  los  que 
versen  sobre  emprestitos  extran- 
jeros,  colonizacion,  navegacion  y 
demas  obras  de  utilidad,  siempre 
que  entranen  privilegios  tempo- 
rales  6  comprometan  las  rentas 
publicas  y  propiedades  de  la 
Nacion,  6  cuando  en  ellos  se  dis- 
ponga  de  sumas  no  votadas  en  el 
presupuesto. 

27.  Declarar  la  guerra,  cuando 
le  haya  autorizado  la  Asamblea,  y 
hacer  la  paz  cuando  lo  requieran 
las  conveniencias'  nacionales. 

28.  Dirigir  las  operaciones  de  la 
guerra  como  Jefe  Supremo  del 
Ejercito  y  de  la  Marina  nacional. 

29.  Cuidar  de  que  la  Asamblea 
se  retina  en  el  dia  senalado  por  la 
Constitucion,  dando  con  oportuni- 
dad  las  disposiciones  necesarias  al 
efecto. 

30.  Conceder  patentes  para 
garantizar,  por  determinado  tiem- 
po,  la  propiedad  literaria  y  las 
invenciones  utiles,  aplicables  a 
nuevas  operaciones  industriales,  6 
a  la  perfeccion  de  las  existentes. 

31.  Senalar  el  lugar  a  donde  de- 
ban  trasladarse  transitoriamente 
los  Poderes  del  Estado,  cuando 
haya  graves  motivos  para  ello. 

32.  Dictar  las  medidas  condu- 
centes  para  la  f  ormacion  del  censo 
de  poblacion  y  demas  ramos  de  es- 
tadistica  nacional. 

33.  Establecer  el  regimen  espe- 
cial con  que  deban  gobernarse 
temporalmente  regiones  despo- 
bladas,  6  habitadas  por  indigenas 
no  civilizados. 

34.  Levantar  la  f uerza  necesaria 
para  repeler  toda  invasion  6  sofo- 
car  rebeliones. 

35.  Disponer  de  la  f  uerza  arma- 
da de  mar  y  tierra  para  defensa  y 


25.  To  attend  to  the  internal 
safety  of  the  country  and  its  de- 
fense against  foreign  aggression. 

26.  To  enter  into  all  classes  of 
contracts  to  provide  for  the  neces- 
sities of  the  administration,  and  to 
submit  to  the  Legislative  Assembly 
for  its  ratification,  those  entered 
into  concerning  foreign  loans,  col- 
onization, navigation,  and  works 
of  utility,  when  involving  tempo- 
rary privileges  or  affecting  the 
public  revenue  and  the  property 
of  the  Nation,  or  entailing  the  ex- 
penditure of  moneys  not  provided 
for  in  the  budget. 

27.  To  declare  war  when  au- 
thorized to  do  so  by  the  Assembly, 
and  make  peace  when  so  required 
for  the  good  of  the  Nation. 

28.  To  conduct  the  operations  of 
war  as  the  supreme  chief  of  the 
national  army  and  navy. 

29.  To  take  care  that  the  Assem- 
bly meets  on  the  day  appointed  by 
the  Constitution,  and  issue  for 
that  purpose  the  necessary  orders. 

30.  To  grant  patents,  guaran- 
teeing for  a  certain  period  of  time 
the  ownership  of  literary  produc- 
tions, and  of  useful  inventions 
applicable  to  new  industrial  opera- 
tions or  to  the  improvement  of 
those  now  in  existence. 

31.  To  designate  the  place  to 
which  the  Powers  of  the  state, 
upon  grave  reasons,  should  tem- 
porarily move. 

32.  To  issue  proper  measures 
for  the  taking  of  the  census  of  the 
population  and  all  other  branches 
of  national  statistics. 

33.  To  establish  the  special  sys- 
tem under  which  the  unpopulated 
regions  of  the  country  or  those 
inhabited  by  uncivilized  Indians 
shall  be  temporarily  governed. 

34.  To  raise  the  necessary  forces 
to  repel  invasion  or  put  down 
rebellion. 

35.  To  use  the  armed  forces  on 
land  and  sea  for  the  defense  and 


318 


REPUBLIC    OF    NICARAGUA. 


seguridad  de  la  Repfiblica,  para 
mantener  el  orden  y  tranquilidad 
de  ella  y  para  todos  los  demas  ob- 
jetos  que  exija  el  servicio  publico. 

36.  Rehabilitar,  conforme  a  la 
ley,  a  los  ciudadanos  que  esten  sus- 
pensos  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus  dere- 
chos. 

37.  Tomar  medidas  de  seguri- 
dad en  los  casos  graves  e  impre- 
vistos  de  ataque  exterior,  6  con- 
mocion  interior,  mientras  se  dicta 
el  decreto  de  estado  de  sitio,  y  dar 
cuenta  de  ellas  a  la  Asarablea  Le- 
gislativa  en  sus  proximas  sesiones. 

38.  Dictar  las  providencias 
necesarias  para  que  las  elecciones 
se  verifiquen  en  el  tiempo  fijado 
por  la  ley,  y  para  que  se  observen 
las  reglas  establecidas  en  ella. 

39.  Cerrar  puertos  6  habilitarlos 
en  receso  de  la  Asamblea. 

40.  Fijar  las  reglas  a  que  debe 
suietarse  la  ocupacion  6  enajena- 
cion  de  terrenos  baldios,  y  des- 
tinarlos  al  f omento  de  la  coloniza- 
cion  y  empresas  utiles. 

41.  Enagenar  las  propiedades 
nacionales  6  arrendarlas. 

Art.  81.  Las  providencias  del 
Poder  Ejecutivo  que  no  se  expidan 
por  el  Ministerio  correspondiente, 
no  son  legales.  El  Presidente  y 
sus  Ministros  seran  responsables 
por  las  disposiciones  que  dicten 
contrarias  a  la  Constitucion  y  las 
leyes. 

TITUL.O  XL. 

DE  LOS  SECRETARIOS  DE  ESTADO. 

Art.  82.  Los  Ministros  del 
Poder  Ejecutivo  deben  ser  nica- 
ragiienses,  del  estado  seglar  y 
ciudadanos  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus 
derechos.  Tambi^n  pueden  serlo 
los  demas  centroamericanos  y  los 
hispanoamericanos  natural izados. 

Art.  83.  No  pueden  ser  Secre- 
taries de  Estado  los  contratistas 
de  obras  6  servicios  publicos,  por 
cuenta  de  la  nacion,  los  que  de 


saf et}T  of  the  Republic,  for  the  pres- 
ervation of  order  and  peace  within 
its  limits,  and  for  all  the  other 
purposes  which  public  service  re- 
quires. 

36.  To  remove,  according  to  law, 
the  disabilities  affecting  citizens 
suspended  in  the  exercise  of  their 
rights  of  citizenship. 

37.  To  take  measures  of  safety 
in  grave  and  unforeseen  cases  of 
foreign  aggression  or  domestic  dis- 
turbance before  the  decree  of  a 
state  of  siege  is  issued,  and  report 
thereon  to  the  Legislative  Assem- 
bly at  its  next  session. 

38.  To  take  all  the  measures 
necessar}7  to  cause  the  elections  to 
be  held  at  the  time  fixed  by  law 
and  see  that  the  rules  established 
for  such  elections  shall  be  com- 
plied with. 

39.  To  close  or  open  ports,  dur- 
ing the  recess  of  the  Assembly. 

40.  To  make  rules  for  the  occu- 
pation or  sale  of  vacant  lands  and 
set  apart  the  said  lands  to  promote 
colonization  and  useful  enter- 
prises. 

41.  To  sell  or  lease  the  national 
property. 

Art.  81.  The  measures  of  the 
Executive,  not  taken  through  the 
corresponding  department,  are  il- 
legal. The  President  and  his 
ministers  shall  be  held  responsible 
for  every  thing  done  by  them  con- 
trary to  the  Constitution  and  the 
laws. 

TITLE  XI. 

THE  SECRETARIES  OF  STATE. 

Art.  82.  The  secretaries  of  state 
shall  be  Nicaraguans,  not  belong- 
ing to  the  ecclesiastical  state,  and 
citizens  in  the  exercise  of  their 
rights.  Central  Americans  and 
naturalized  Spanish  Americans 
may  also  be  secretaries  of  state. 

Art.  83.  The  following  shall  not 
be  secretaries  of  state:  Contractors 
of  public  works  or  services  in 
which  the    nation    is   interested; 


CONSTITUTION. 


319 


resultas  de  esas  contratas  tengan 
reclamaciones  de  interns  propio, 
y  los  deudores  6  acreedores  de  la 
hacienda  piiblica. 

Art.  84.  Los  Secretaries  de 
Estado  pueden  asistir  a  las  se- 
siones  del  poder  legislative  y 
tomar  participacion  en  los  debates, 
pero  sin  voto;  y  deberan  concurrir 
a  la  Asamblea  siempre  que  se  les 
llame  para  contestar  a  la  interpe- 
lacion  de  un  Diputado,  sobre 
asuntos  de  la  Administracion  Pu- 
blica. En  este  caso  el  Ministro 
puede  excusar  la  respuesta  cuando 
se  trate  de  asuntos  de  Guerra  6 
de  Relaciones  Exteriores,  de  ca- 
racter  reservado;  la  Asamblea 
tomara  en  consideracion  la  excusa, 
y  si  no  la  juzgase  admisible,  obli- 
gara  al  Ministro  a  responder. 


TITULO  XII. 

DEL  PODER  JUDICIAL. 

Art.  85.  El  Poder  Judicial  se 
ejerce  por  una  Corte  Suprema, 
por  las  Cortes  de  Apelaciones  y 
los  demas  funcionarios  que  la  ley 
determine. 

Art.  86.  Los  Magistrados  seran 
electos  por  la  Asamblea  Legislati- 
va  y  duraran  seis  anos  en  el  ejer- 
cicio  de  sus  funciones.  El  nom- 
bramiento  de  los  demas  funcio- 
narios del  Poder  Judicial  se  hara 
con  arreglo  a  la  ley  organica  de 
Tribunales,  que  fijara  el  periodo 
de  sus  cargos,  sus  atribuciones  y 
demas  detalles  para  la  administra- 
cion de  justicia. 

Art.  87.  Para  ser  Magistrado 
se  requiere  ser  ciudadano  en 
ejercicio  de  sus  derechos,  del  es 
tado  seglar,  abogado  y  mayor  de 
veinticinco  anos. 

Art.  88.  La  facultad  de  juzgar 
y  de  ejecutar  lo  juzgado  pertenece 
exclusivamente  al  Poder  Judicial. 
Ningun  Poder  ni  sus  agentes 
podran  avocarse  causas  en  estado 


those  who  in  consequence  of  these 
contracts  have  claims  in  their  own 
name;  and  debtors  or  creditors  of 
the  treasury. 

Art.  84.  The  secretaries  of  state 
may  attend  the  meetings  of  the 
Assembly  and  take  part  in  the  de- 
bates, but  shall  have  no  vote;  and 
they  shall  be  bound  to  appear  be- 
fore the  Assembly  whenever  sum- 
moned to  answer  the  interpella- 
tions of  any  Deputy  on  matters 
relating  to  the  public  administra- 
tion. In  this  case  the  secretaries 
of  state  may  ask  to  be  excused 
from  answering  when  the  question 
relates  to  matters  of  war  and  for- 
eign relations  of  confidential  char- 
acter. The  Assembly  shall  take 
into  consideration  such  a  request, 
but  may  overrule  it  and  compel 
the  secretary  to  answer. 

TITLE  XII. 

THE  JUDICIAL  POWER. 

Art.  85.  The  judicial  power  is 
vested  in  a  supreme  court,  in  the 
courts  of  appeals,  and  in  the 
judicial  functionaries  established 
by  law. 

Art.  86.  The  members  of  the 
courts  shall  be  elected  by  the  Leg- 
islative Assembly  and  shall  serve 
for  six  years.  The  appointment 
of  the  other  functionaries  of  the 
judicial  power  shall  be  made  in 
accordance  with  the  judiciary  or- 
ganic law,  which  shall  fix  the  dura- 
tion of  their  terms  of  office,  their 
duties,  powers,  and  everything 
else  relating  to  the  administration 
of  justice. 

Art.  87.  To  be  a  judge  or  jus- 
tice, it  shall  be  necessary  to  be  a 
citizen  in  the  exercise  of  his  rights, 
not  to  belong  to  the  ecclesiastical 
state,  and  to  be  a  lawyer,  over 
twenty-five  years  of  age. 

Art.  88.  The  power  to  render 
judgments  and  cause  them  to  be 
enforced  belongs  exclusively  to 
the  judicial  power.  No  other 
power,  or  agents  thereof,  shall  as- 


320 


REPUBLIC    OF    NICARAGUA. 


de    tramitacion,    ni    detener    su 
curso,  ni  abrir  juicios  fenecidos. 

Art.  89.  La  ley  establecera  el 
recurso  de  revision  en  lo  criminal, 
en  casos  graves,  cuando  fenecido 
un  proceso  se  pueda  demostrar  con 
precision  la  inocencia  del  reo. 

Art.  90.  En  todo  juicio  civil  las 
partes  pueden  someter  a  un  jurado 
la  caliiicacion  y  decision  de  los 
hechos.  Pronunciado  el  veredicto 
del  jurado,  el  Juez  se  limitara  a  la 
aplicacion  de  las  leyes. 

Art.  91.  La  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia  hard  la  eleccion  y  nombra- 
miento  de  los  funcionarios  y  em- 
pi  eados  que  le  correspondan,  de 
conformidad  con  la  ley,  les  admi- 
tira  sus  renuncias  y  concedera  las 
licencias  que  lamisma  ley  autoriza. 

Art.  92.  La  Corte  Suprema  ten- 
dra  ademas  las  atribuciones  si- 
guientes: 

la.  Hacer  su  Reglamento  inte- 
rior y  aprobar  los  de  las  Cortes  de 
Apelaciones. 

2a.  Conocer  de  los  delitos  ofi- 
ciales  de  los  altos  funcionarios, 
cuando  se  les  haya  declarado  con 
lugar  a  formacion  de  causa. 

3a.  Aplicar  las  leyes  en  los  casos 
concretos  sometidos  a  su  examen, 
interpretarlas  para  el  mismo  fin, 
conforme  al  espiritu  de  la  Consti- 
tucion,  y  no  aplicarlas  cuando  sean 
contrarias  a  ella,  bajo  su  propia 
responsabilidad. 

4a.  Autorizar  a  los  abogados  y 
notarios,  nacionales  y  extranjeros, 
para  el  ejercicio  de  su  profesion, 
suspenderlos  en  ella,  y  rehabilitar- 
los,  con  sujecion  a  la  ley. 

5a.  Conocer  de  todos  los  recur- 
sos  y  apelaciones  del  Tribunal  de 
Cuentas. 

Art.  93.  La  administracion  de 
justicia  es  gratuita  en  toda  clase 
de  juicios  y  en  todas  las  instancias. 


sume  jurisdiction  in  cases  pending 
before  the  courts,  stop  their  prose- 
cution, or  reopen  cases  terminated. 

Art.  89.  The  law  shall  provide 
the  proper  remedy  to  secure  in 
grave  criminal  cases,  the  revision 
of  the  verdicts,  when  proof  can  be 
given  that  the  convicted  party  was 
innocent. 

Art.  90.  In  civil  cases  the  par- 
ties may  have  the  facts  passed  upon 
by  a  jury.  The  verdict  having 
been  rendered,  the  judge  shall  limit 
his  action  to  the  application  of  the 
law. 

Art.  91.  The  Supreme  Court  of 
Justice  shall  make  the  election  and 
appointment,  according  to  law,  of 
the  functionaries  and  employees 
under  its  control,  accept  their 
resignations,  and  grant  the  leaves 
of  absence  permitted  by  law. 

Art.  92.  The  Supreme  Court 
shall  have,  furthermore,  the  fol- 
lowing powers: 

1.  To  make  rules  for  its  own  gov- 
ernment, and  approve  those  made  • 
for  the  government  of  the  courts 
of  appeal. 

2.  To  take  cognizance  of  the 
cases  of  impeachment  of  the  high 
functionaries  when  the  prosecution 
thereof  has  been  ordered. 

3.  To  apply  the  laws  in  the  indi- 
vidual cases  submitted  to  its  exami- 
nation,  to  interpret  their  pro  visions 
in  accordance  with  the  spirit  of 
the  Constitution,  or  not  to  apply 
them,  on  its  own  responsibility, 
when  they  prove  to  be  contrary  to 
the  said  Constitution. 

4.  To  grant  authority  to  lawyers 
and  notaries,  whether  citizens  or 
foreigners,  to  practice  their  pro- 
fessions, and  suspend  or  reinstate 
them  according  to  law. 

5.  To  take  cognizance  of  all  the 
remedies  granted  by  law  against 
the  decisions  of  the  tribunal  of 
accounts. 

Art.  93.  The  administration  of 
justice  is  gratuitous  in  all  classes 
of  cases  and  in  all  the  stages  of  the 
proceedings. 


CONSTITUTION. 


321 


Art.  94.  Los  Magistrados  no 
pueden  ejercer  ningun  otro  em- 
pleo,  salvo  el  de  profesores  de  en- 
senanza.  Tampoco  pueden  ser 
llamados  al  servicio  militar. 

Art.  95.  En  ningun  juicio  puede 
haber  mas  de  tres  instancias,  y  los 
mismos  jueces  no  pueden  conocer 
en  mas  de  una  de  ellas. 

Art.  96.  Los  funcionarios  de 
justicia  podran  requerir  el  auxilio 
de  la  f  uerza  armada  6  de  los  ciuda- 
danos,  para  el  cumplimiento  de  sus 
resoluciones. 

TITUIiO   XIII. 

DEL  PRESUPUESTO. 

Art.  97.  El  Presupuesto  de 
gastos  ordinarios  sera  votado  por 
la  Asamblea  con  vista  del  pro}recto 
que  presente  el  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  98.  Todo  gasto  que  se 
haga  fuera  del  Presupuesto  es  ile- 
gitimo,  y  seran  responsables  soli- 
dariamente  por  la  cantidad  gas- 
tada  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica, 
el  Ministro  de  Hacienda  y  el  em- 
pleado  pagador,  sin  perjuicio  de 
las  penas  a  que  hubiere  lugar  con- 
forme  a  la  ley. 

Art.  99.  El  Presupuesto  de 
gastos  ordinarios  de  la  adminis- 
tracion  publica  no  podra  exceder 
de  los  ingresos  probables  calcu- 
lados  por  el  Ministerio  de  Ha- 
cienda. 

TITULO  XIV. 

DEL  TESORO  PUBLICO. 

Art.  100.  Forman  el  Tesoro 
Publico  de  la  Nacion: 

1°.  Todos  sus  bienes  muebles  y 
raices. 

2°.  Todos  sus  creditos  activos. 

3°.  Todos  los  derechos,impuestos 
y  contribuciones  que  paguen  los 
habitantes  de  la  Republica. 

Art.  101.  La  administracion,  de 
los  fondos  publicos,  se  hara  por 
medio  de  una  Tesoreria  General  y 
demas  oficinas  que  sean  necesarias. 

360a— vol  1—06 21 


Art.  94.  Justices  and  judges 
shall  not  be  qualified  to  serve  in 
any  other  capacity  except  that  of 
professors.  They  shall  be  ex- 
empted from  military  service. 

Art.  95.  No  more  than  three 
instances  shall  be  allowed  to  any 
case,  and  the  same  judge  shall  not 
act  in  more  than  one  of  the  same. 

Art.  96.  Judicial  functionaries 
may  demand  military  assistance,  or 
the  assistance  of  private  citizens,  to 
enforce  their  decisions. 

TITLE  XIII. 
THE  BUDGET. 

Art.  97.  The  budget  shall  be 
voted  upon  by  the  Assembly  after 
examination  of  the  estimates  sub- 
mitted by  the  Executive. 

Art.  98.  Expenses  not  author- 
ized by  the  budget  are  illegal, 
and  the  President,  the  secretary  of 
the  treasury,  and  the  officer  who 
made  the  payment  shall  be  jointly 
responsible  for  the  amounts  of 
money  expended  in  this  way. 
They  shall  also  be  liable  to  punish- 
ment according  to  law. 

Art.  99.  The  sums  appropri- 
ated to  meet  the  expenses  of  the 
Government  shall  not  exceed  the 
probable  receipts  as  estimated  by 
the  department  of  the  treasury. 

TITLE  XIV. 
THE  PUBLIC  TREASURE. 

Art.  100.  The  public  treasure  of 
the  Nation  consists  of: 

1.  All  national  property,  real 
and  personal. 

2.  All  the  debts  due  to  the 
Nation. 

3.  All  duties,  taxes,  and  contri- 
butions paid  by  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Republic. 

Art.  101.  The  management  of 
the  public  funds  shall  be  entrusted 
to  a  general  treasurer  and  to  all 
other  necessary  officers. 


322 


REPUBLIC    OF    NICARAGUA. 


Art.  102.  El  Tesorero  General 
ser&  nombrado  por  el  Poder  Eje- 
cutivo.  Para  ejercer  ese  cargo  se 
requiere  no  ser  acreedor  de  la  Ha- 
cienda Publica,  ni  tener  cuentas 
pendientes  con  ella. 

Art.  103.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo 
no  podra  celpbrar  contratos  que 
comprometan  los  fondos  naciona- 
les,  sin  previa  publication  de  la 
propuesta  en  el  periodico  oficial  y 
licitacion  publica.  Exceptuanse 
de  estas  formalidades  los  que  ten- 

fan  por  objeto  proveer  a  las  necesi- 
ades  de  la  guerra  y  los  que  por  su 
naturaleza  no  puedan  celebrarse, 
sino  con  persona  determinada. 


Art.  104.  Para  fiscalizar  la  ad- 
ministration del  Tesoro  Nacional 
habra  una  Contaduria  Mayor  6 
Tribunal  encargado  de  examinar 
y  finiquitar  las  cuentas  de  los  que 
administren  intereses  publicos. 


Art.  105.  Los  miembros  de  este 
Tribunal  tendran  las  mismas  con- 
diciones  que  el  Tesorero  General: 
su  numero,  organization  y  atribu- 
ciones  seran  determinados  por  la 
ley. 

TITULO  XV. 
DEL  EJERCITO. 

Art.  106.  La  fuerza  publica 
esta  instituida  para  asegurar  los 
derechos  de  la  Nation,  el  cumpli- 
miento  de  la  ley,  y  el  manteni- 
miento  del  orden  publico. 

Art.  107.  La  disciplina  del 
Eje"rcito  sera  regida  por  las  leyes 
y  ordenanzas  militares.  La  fuerza 
armada  no  puede  deliberar,  ni 
ejercer  el  derecho  de  petition. 

Art.  108.  El  servicio  militar  es 
obligatorio.  La  ley  lo  reglamen- 
tara. 

Art.  109.  Losdelitospuramente 
militares  cometidos  por  individuos 
del  EjeYcito,  en  actual  servicio, 


Art.  102.  The  general  treasurer 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  execu- 
tive power.  No  one  shall  be  gen- 
eral treasurer  who  is  a  creditor  of 
the  Government  or  has  accounts 
pending  therewith. 

Art.  103.  The  executive  power 
shall  not  enter  into  contracts  af- 
fecting national  funds  without 
previous  publication  of  proposals 
in  the  official  newspaper  inviting 
public  competition.  An  exception 
to  this  rule  shall  take  place  in  re- 
gard to  those  contracts  entered  into 
to  meet  necessities  of  war  or 
which  according  to  the  nature  of 
the  business  to  which  they  refer 
can  only  be  negotiated  with  speci- 
fied persons. 

Art.  104.  For  the  proper  vigi- 
lance over  the  management  of  the 
National  Treasury,  there  shall  be 
a  comptroller's  office  or  tribunal 
of  accounts,  whose  functions  shall 
be  to  examine,  audit,  and  approve 
the  accounts  of  all  managers  of 
public  funds. 

Art.  105.  The  members  of  this 
tribunal  shall  have  the  same  quali- 
fications as  the  general  treasurer; 
their  number,  duties,  and  powers 
shall  be  determined  by  law. 

TITLE  XV. 
THE  ARMY. 

Art.  106.  Public  force  is  estab- 
lished to  protect  the  rights  of  the 
Nation,  the  fulfillment  of  the  law, 
and  the  preservation  of  public 
order. 

Art.  107.  The  discipline  of  the 
army  shall  be  maintained  by  mili- 
tary laws  and  ordinances.  Armed 
forces  shall  not  deliberate  or  exer- 
cise the  right  of  petition. 

Art.  108.  Military  service  is 
compulsory.  The  law  shall  regu- 
late it. 

Art.  109.  Offenses  purely  mili- 
tary, committed  by  members  of 
the  Army  in  actual  service,  shall 


CONSTITUTION. 


323 


seran  juzgados  por  tribunales  mili- 
tares,  con  sujecion  al  Codigo  de  la 
materia. 

ti'tttlo  xvi. 

DEL  GOBIERNO  DEPARTAMENTAL. 

Art.  110.  Para  la  administra- 
cion  politica  se  dividira  el  terri- 
torio  de  la  Republica  en  Departa- 
mentos,  cuyo  numero  y  hmites 
fijara  la  ley.  En  cada  uno  de  ellos 
habra  los  funcionarios  adminis- 
trativos  que  la  misma  determine. 

TITTTLO  XVII. 
DEL  GOBIERNO  MUNICIPAL. 

Art.  111.  El  gobierno  local  de 
los  pueblos  estara  a  cargo  de  mu- 
nicipalidades  electas  popular  y 
directamente  por  los  ciudadanos 
de  las  respectivas  poblaciones. 

Art.  112.  El  numero  de  indivi- 
duos  que  deben  componer  las  muni- 
cipalidades sera  determinado  por 
la  ley,  tomando  en  cuenta  su 
poblacion. 

Art.  113.  Todas  las  atribuciones 
de  los  municipios  y  las  reglas  para 
su  organizacion  seran  objeto  de 
leyes  especiales. 

Art.  114.  Las  atribuciones  de 
las  municipalidades  seran  pura- 
mente  economicas  y  administra- 
tivas. 

Art.  115.  Ningun  miembro  de 
las  municipalidades  podra  ser 
obligado  a  aceptar  otro  nombra- 
miento,  ni  llamado  al  servicio  mili- 
tar. 

TITTJLO  XVIII. 

DE  LA  RESPONSABILIDAD  DE  LOS 
EMPLEADOS  PUBLICOS. 

Art.  116.  Todo  funcionario  pu- 
blico es  responsable  por  sus  actos. 

Art.  117.  Los  miembros  de  los 
Supremos    Poderes,   Magistrados 


be  tried   by  military   courts,  ac- 
cording to  the  military  code. 

TITLE  XVI. 

THE  DEPARTMENTAL  GOVERN- 
MENT. 

Art.  110.  For  political  purposes 
the  territory  of  the  Republic  shall 
be  divided  into  Departments,  the 
number  and  boundaries  of  which 
shall  be  fixed  by  law.  Each  one 
of  these  Departments  shall  have 
the  executive  functionaries  which 
the  law  shall  provide. 

TITLE  XVII. 

THE  MUNICIPAL  GOVERNMENT. 

Art.  111.  The  local  government 
of  the  towns  shall  be  administered 
by  municipal  corporations  directly 
elected  by  the  people. 

Art.  112.  The  number  of  mem- 
bers of  the  municipal  corporations 
shall  be  fixed  by  law,  the  popula- 
tion of  the  towns  being  taken  into 
consideration  for  that  purpose. 

Art.  113.  The  powers  of  the 
municipal  corporations,  and  the 
rules  for  their  organization  shall 
be  the  object  of  special  laws. 

Art.  114.  The  powers  of  the 
municipal  corporations  shall  be 
purely  economical  and  administra- 
tive. 

Art.  115.  No  member  of  a 
municipal  corporation  shall  be 
compelled  to  accept  another  posi- 
tion, or  called  to  render  military 
service. 

TITLE  XVIII. 

RESPONSIBILITIES       OF      PUBLIC 
FUNCTIONARIES. 

Art.  116.  All  public  function- 
aries shall  be  responsible  for  their 
acts. 

Art.  117.  The  members  of  the 
supreme  powers,  justices  of  the 


324 


REPUBLIC    OF    NICARAGUA. 


de  las  Cortes  de  Apelaciones,  Se- 
cretaries de  Estado,  y  Ministros 
Diplomaticos,  por  delitos  que  se 
les  imputen,  responderan  ante  la 
Asamblea  Nacional  Legislativa,  la 
cual  declarara  si  ha  lugar  6  no  a 
formacion  de  causa;  si  hay  lugar 
los  pondra  in  media  tame  nte  a  dis- 
posicion  del  tribunal  competente. 


Art.  118.  Cuando  un  funciona- 
rio  publico,  a  quien  se  hubiese 
declarado  con  lugar  a  formacion 
de  causa,  fuere  absuelto,  volvera 
al  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones. 

TITULO  XIX. 

REFORMAS  DE  LA  CONSTITUCION. 

Art.  119.  Toda  reforma  debera 
ser  decretada  por  la  Asamblea  le- 
gislativa con  dos  tercios  de  votos 
en  sesiones  ordinarias,  y  verifi- 
cada  por  una  Asamblea  Consti- 
tuyente  que  se  convocara  al  ef ecto. 
La  reforma  absoluta  solo  podra 
decretarse  despues  de  diez  afios. 


Art.  120.  Los  Diputados  a  la 
Asamblea  Constituyente  seran 
electos  en  la  misma  forma  que  los 
Diputados  a  las  Asambleas  Legis- 
lativas  y  en  igual  numero. 

Art.  121.  Quedan  derogadas  la 
Constitucion  de  diez  de  Diciembre 
de  1893  y  sus  reformas  de  15  de 
Octubre  de  1896. 


Art.  122.  La  presente  Constitu- 
cion comenzara  a  regir  desde  su 
publication. 


courts  of  appeals,  secretaries  of 
state  and  diplomatic  ministers, 
shall  be  responsible  before  the  Leg- 
islative Assembly  for  the  offenses 
committed  by  them.  The  Assem- 
bl}T  shall  declare  whether  or  not 
criminal  proceedings  shall  be  in- 
stituted against  them.  If  the  de- 
cision is  affirmative  the  Assembly 
shall  place  them  at  the  disposal  of 
the  competent  court. 

Art.  118.  Public  functionaries 
who  have  been  tried  and  acquitted 
shall  be  reinstated  in  the  exercise 
of  their  functions. 


TITLE  XIX. 

AMENDMENTS    TO    THE    CONSTI- 
TUTION. 

Art.  119.  Amendments  to  the 
Constitution  shall  be  ordered  by 
resolution  of  the  Assembly,  passed 
by  a  two-thirds  vote,  in  ordinary 
session.  But  they  shall  be  formu- 
lated and  given  proper  shape  by  a 
constitutional  convention  assem- 
bled for  that  purpose.  Absolute 
reform  shall  not  be  ordered  ex- 
cept after  the  lapse  of  ten  years. 

Art.  120.  The  delegates  to  the 
constitutional  convention  shall  be 
elected  in  the  same  manner  and  in 
the  same  number  as  the  members 
of  the  Legislative  Assembly. 

Art.  121.  The  Constitution  of 
the  tenth  of  December,  eighteen 
hundred  and  ninet}' -three,  and  the 
amendments  thereto  of  October 
fifteenth,  eighteen  hundred  and 
ninety-six,  are  hereby  repealed. 

Art.  122.  The  present  Constitu- 
tion shall  go  into  effect  on  the  day 
of  its  publication. 


REPUBLIC  OF  COSTA  RICA. 


HISTORICAL  :NX)TES. 

Costa  Rica  was  the  last  Central  American  State  which,  accepting  the 
accomplished  facts  and  submitting,  though  reluctantly,  to  the  inevitable, 
seceded  from  the  Central  American  Confederation.  By  decree  dated 
April  1, 1829,  the  State  Assembly  of  Costa  Kica  said  that  it  being  true 
that  at  that  moment  no  vestige  of  the  Confederation  was  practically 
in  existence,  and  that  all  the  efforts  thus  far  made  to  reestablish  the 
Union  had  been  unavailing,  the  moment  had  come  for  Costa  Rica  "to 
resume  the  fullness  of  her  sovereignty,  and  exercise  it  without  subjec- 
tion or  responsibility  to  anyone  except  herself."  The  decree  declares, 
however,  that,  whereas  "the  de  jure  existence  of  the  Union  could  not 
be  ignored  until  after  all  the  States  which  had  entered  into  it  should 
expressly  agree  to  dissolve  it,"  the  resumption  by  Costa  Rica  of  her 
full  sovereignty  was  to  be  without  effect,  if  the  "supreme  general 
authorities  of  the  Central  American  Federal  Republic  were  ever  re- 
established." 

This  feeling  of  loyalty  to  the  Union  was  also  manifested  in  the 
Costa  Rican  Constitution  of  January  21,  1847,  which  declared  that 
Costa  Rica  was  "one  of  the  political  entities  which  had  entered  into 
the  composition  of  the  Central  American  nation,  and  that  it  would 
concur  to  the  reorganization  of  that  nation  whenever  the  other  Cen- 
tral American  States  should  be  ready  to  negotiate  a  new  compact  of 
social  union." 

Subsequent  to  1817  Costa  Rica  has  had  the  Constitution  of  December 
26,  1859,  and  that  of  December  7,  1871. 

The  latter,  as  amended  in  1882  and  subsequent  dates,  is  the  one  now 
in  force. 


L.IST  OF  IMPORTANT  BOOKS  TO  BE  CONSULTED  IN  REFERENCE  TO  THE  CON- 
STITUTION OF  COSTA  RICA. 

1.  Calvo  (Joaquin  Bernardo).     Republica  de  Costa  Rica.     Apuntamientos  geo- 
graficos,  estadfsticos  e"  historicos.     San  Jose  de  Costa  Rica.     1886. 

2.  Montero  Barrantes  (Francisco).     Elementos  de  Historia  de  Costa  Rica.     San 
Jose  de  Costa  Rica.     1894. 

325 


CONSTITUTION. 

(Promulgated  December  7,  1871,  with  amendments  to  1905.) 


Nosotros  los  Representantes  del 
Pueblo  de  Costa  Rica,  convocados 
legitimamente  para  establecer  la 
justicia,  proveer  a  la  defensa 
comun,  promover  el  bien  general 
y  asegurar  los  beneficios  de  la 
libertad,  implorando  el  auxilio  del 
Soberano  Regulador  del  Universo 
para  alcanzar  estos  fines,  hemos 
decretado  y  sancionado  la  siguiente 
Constitucion  politica. 

TITULO  I. 

DE  LA  REPUBLICA. 

ArtIculo  1.  La  Repiiblica  de 
Costa  Ricaes  libre  e  independiente. 

Art.  2.  La  soberania  reside  ex- 
clusivamente  en  la  Nacion. 

Art.  3.  El  territorio  de  la  Re- 
piiblica esta  comprendido  entre  los 
oceanos  Atlantico  y  Pacifico.  Con- 
fina  al  Noroeste  con  Nicaragua,  de 
la  cual  lo  separa  la  linea  divisoria 
que  marca  el  tratado  de  15  de  Abril 
de  1858,  celebrado  con  aquella  Re- 
publica;  y  por  el  Sudeste,  con  la 
de  Colombia,  respecto  de  la  cual  se 
observara  el  uti possidetis  de  1826. 
Estos  limites  pueden  variarse  por 
tratados  con  las  nacioneslimitrofes, 
6  por  decision  arbitral  en  su  caso. 

TtTULO  II. 

secci6n  primer  a. 
De  los  costarrice)t.s<s. 

Art.  4.  Los  costarricenses  son 
naturales  6  naturalizados. 

Art.  5.  Son  naturales: 

1.  Los  nacidos  en  el  territorio 
de  la  Republica,  excepto  aquellos 
que,  hijos  de  padre  o  madre  ex- 

326 


We,  the  representatives  of  the 
people  of  Costa  Rica,  legitimately 
assembled  in  convention,  in  order 
to  establish  justice,  provide  for  the 
common  defense,  promote  the  gen- 
eral welfare,  and  secure  the  bless- 
ings of  liberty,  imploring  the  as- 
sistance of  the  Sovereign  Ruler  of 
the  Universe  to  accomplish  this 
purpose,  have  decreed  and  sanc- 
tioned the  following  political  Con- 
stitution. 

TITLE  I. 

THE  REPUBLIC. 

Article  1.  The  Republic  of 
Costa  Rica  is  free  and  independent. 

Art.  2.  The  sovereigntj^  is 
vested  exclusively  in  the  Nation. 

Art.  3.  The  territory  of  the  Re- 
public is  situated  between  the  At- 
lantic and  Pacific  oceans.  It  is 
bounded  on  the  northwest  by 
Nicaragua,  from  which  it  is  sepa- 
rated by  the  dividing  line  estab- 
lished by  the  treaty  of  April  15, 
1858,  concluded  with  that  Repub- 
lic; on  the  southeast,  by  Colombia, 
in  regard  to  which  the  uti  possidetis 
of  1826  shall  be  observed.  These 
limits  may  be  changed  by  treaty 
with  the  bordering  nations  or  by 
an  arbitral  award  in  its  case. 

TITLE  II. 
SECTION   FIRST. 

Costa  Ricans. 

Art.  4.  Costa  Ricans  are  either 
native  or  naturalized. 
Art.  5.  Native  Costa  Ricans  are : 
1.  All  persons  born  in  the  ter- 
ritory   of    the   Republic,   except 
those  who  being  the  issue  of  a  for- 


CONSTITUTION. 


327 


tranjero,  debieren  seguir  esta  con- 
dicion  conforme  a  la  ley. 

2.  Los  hijos  de  padre  6  madre 
costarricense,  nacidos  fuera  del 
territorio  de  la  Republica  y  cuyos 
nombres  se  inscriban  en  el  Registro 
civico,  por  voluntad  de  sus  padres, 
mientras  sean  menores  de  veintiun 
anos,  6  por  la  suya  propia  desde 
que  lleguen  a  esta  edad. 

3.  Los  hijos  de  padre  6  madre 
extranjero  nacidos  en  el  territorio 
de  la  Republica  que,  despues  de 
cumplir  veintiun  anos,  se  inscriban 
por  su  propia  voluntad  en  el  Re- 
gistro  civico,  6  por  la  de  sus 
padres  antes  de  dicha  edad. 


naturales    los 
provincia    de 


4.  Son  tambien 
habitantes  de  la 
Guanacaste  que  se  hubiesen  esta 
blecido  definitivamente  en  ella, 
desde  su  incorporacion  a  esta  Re- 
publica hasta  el  tratado  de  15  de 
Abril  de  1858,  celebrado  con  la 
de  Nicaragua. 

Art.  6.  Son  naturalizados: 

1.  Los  que  han  adquirido  esta 
calidad  en  virtud  de  las  leyes  an- 
teriores. 

2°.  La  mujer  extranjera  casada 
con  costarricense. 

3°.  Los  hijos  de  otras  naciones 
que,  despues  de  un  aiio  de  resi- 
dencia  en  la  Republica,  obtengan 
la  carta  respectiva. 

Art.  7.  La  calidad  de  costarri- 
cense se  pierde  y  recobra  por  las 
causas  y  medios  que  determine 
la  ley. 

Art.  8.  Son  deberes  de  los 
costarricenses  observar  la  Consti- 
tucion  y  las  leyes,  servir  a  la  Patria, 
defenderla  y  contribuir  para  los 
gastos  publicos. 

secci6n  segunda. 

De  los  ciudadanos. 

Art.  9.  Son  ciudadanos  cos- 
tarricenses todos  los  naturales  de 


eign  father  or  mother  should, 
under  the  law,  be  clothed  with 
foreign  nationalit}^  of  the  latter. 

2.  The  children  of  a  Costa  Rican 
father  or  mother  born  outside  the 
territory  of  the  Republic,  whose 
names  have  been  inscribed  in  the 
civil  register,  by  their  parents, 
during  their  minority,  or  b}r  them- 
selves after  reaching  full  age. 

3.  The  children  of  a  foreign 
father  or  mother  born  in  the  ter- 
ritory of  the  Republic  who,  after 
having  reached  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  years,  register  themselves  as 
Costa  Ricans,  or  were  registered 
as  such  bjr  their  parents  before 
reaching  that  age. 

4.  The  inhabitants  of  the  Prov- 
ince of  Guanacaste  who  settled 
within  its  limits  between  the  date 
of  its  annexation  to  this  Re- 
public and  the  date  of  the  treatjT 
concluded  with  Nicaragua,  (April 
15,  1858,)  shall  be  native  citizens. 

Art.  6.  Naturalized  Costa  Ri- 
cans are: 

1.  Those  who  have  acquired  that 
quality  by  virtue  of  laws  hereto- 
fore enacted. 

2.  Foreign  women  married  to  a 
Costa  Rican. 

3.  Persons  born  in  other  coun- 
tries who,  after  having  resided  one 
year  in  the  Republic,  obtain  natu- 
ralization papers. 

Art.  7.  Costa  Rican  citizenship 
is  lost  and  recovered  for  the  causes 
and  by  the  means  established  by 
law. 

Art.  8.  Costa  Ricans  are  bound 
to  observe  the  Constitution  and 
the  laws,  serve  their  country, 
defend  it,  and  contribute  to  the 
public  expenses. 

SECTION    SECOND. 

Citizens. 

Art.  9.  Costa  Rican  citizens  are 
all   native    or    naturalized    Costa 


32  S 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


la  Republics,  6  natural izados  en 
ella,  que  tengan  veinte  anos  cum- 
plidos,  6  diez  y  ocho  si  fuesen 
casados  6  profesores  de  alguna 
ciencia;  siempre  que  unos  y  otros 
posean  ademas  alguna  propiedad 
u  oficio  honesto,  cuyos  frutos  6 
ganancias  sean  suficientes  para 
mantenerlos  en  proporcion  a  su 
estado. 

Art.  10.  El  ejercicio  de  la  ciu- 
dadania  se  suspende,  pierde  y  re- 
cobra  por  las  causas  que  determine 
la  ley. 

Art.  11.  Los  que  hayan  perdido 
la  ciudadania,  excepto  por  trtlicion 
a  la  Patria,  pueden  ser  rehabilita- 
dos,  motivando  legalmente  la  im- 
petracion  de  la  gracia. 

secci6n  tercera. 

De  los  extranjeros. 

Art.  12.  Los  extranjeros  gozan 
en  el  territorio  de  la  Nacion  de 
todos  los  derechos  civiles  del  ciu- 
dadano;  pueden  ejercer  su  indus- 
tria  6  comercio,  poseer  bienes 
raices,  comprarlos  y  enajenarlos, 
navegar  los  rios  y  costas,  ejercer 
libremente  su  culto,  testar  y  ca- 
sarse  conforme  a  las  leyes.  No 
estan  obligados  a  admitir  la  ciuda- 
dania, ni  a  pagar  contribuciones 
forzosas  extraordinarias. 


TlTUL-O  III. 
SECCION   PRIMERA. 

De  las  garantias  nacionales. 

Art.  13.  Los  Poderes  en  que  se 
divide  el  Gobierno  de  la  Republica 
son  independientes  entre  si. 

Art.  14.  Nadie  puede  arrogarse 
la  soberania;  el  que  lo  hiciere 
comete  un  atentado  de  lesa  nacion. 

Art.  15.  Ninguna  autoridad 
puede  celebrar  pactos,  tratados  6 


Ricans,  who  have  reached  twenty 
years  of  age,  or  eighteen  years  if 
the}^  are  married  or  are  professors 
of  some  science;  provided  in  all 
cases  that  they  own  some  property, 
or  have  an  honest  trade,  the  fruits 
or  income  of  which  are  sufficient 
to  support  them  in  proportion  to 
their  condition  of  life. 

Art.  10.  The  rights  of  citizen- 
ship are  suspended,  lost,  and  recov- 
ered for  the  causes  established  by 
law. 

Art.  11.  Those  who  have  lost 
their  citizenship,  except  through 
treason  to  their  country,  may  be 
rehabilitated,  if  sufficient  legal 
grounds  are  set  forth  in  the  appli- 
cation for  the  favor. 

SECTION   THIRD. 

Foreigners. 

Art.  12.  Foreigners  enjoy  in 
the  territory  of  the  Nation  the 
same  civil  rights  as  citizens;  they 
can  exercise  their  industries  or 
commerce,  hold  real  property,  pur- 
chase and  sell  it,  navigate  the  rivers 
and  coasts,  freely  exercise  their 
religion,  dispose  of  their  property 
by  last  will  and  testament,  and  con- 
tract marriage  according  to  law. 
They  are  not  bound  to  become 
citizens,  nor  to  pay  forced  extra- 
ordinary taxes. 

titi^e  in. 

SECTION  FIRST. 

National  guaranties. 

Art.  13.  The  powers  into  which 
the  government  of  the  Republic  is 
divided  are  independent  of  each 
other. 

Art.  14.  No  one  shall  assume 
sovereignty.  He  who  should  at- 
tempt to  do  so  commits  a  high 
crime  against  the  Nation. 

Art.  15.  No  authority  shall  enter 
into  compacts,  treaties,  or  agree- 


CONSTITUTION. 


329 


convenios  que  se  opongan  a  la  so- 
berania  e  independencia  de  la  Re- 
publica.  Cualquiera  que  cometa 
este  atentado  sera  calificado  de 
traidor. 

Lo  aqui  dispuesto  no  impedira 
que  el  Ejecutivo  pueda  negociar 
tratados  para  la  ejecucion  de  cual- 
quier  canal  interoceanico  que  af  ec- 
ten  la  soberania  sobre  el  territorio 
de  la  Republica.  Estos  tratados 
deberan  para  su  validez  ser  someti- 
dos  al  Congreso  y  obtener  la  apro- 
bacion  de  tres  cuartas  partes  del 
total  de  sus  miembros,  y  ademas 
la  de  una  Asamblea  constituyente 
convocada  para  este  solo  ef ecto. 

Art.    16.    Ninguna     autoridad 

fmede  arrogarse  facultades  que  la 
ey  no  le  concede. 
,  Art.  17.  Las  disposiciones  del 
Poder  Legislativo  6  del  Ejecutivo 
que  fueren  contrarias  a  la  Consti- 
tucion son  nulas  y  de  ningfin  valor, 
cualquiera  que  sea  la  forma  en  que 
se  emitan.  Lo  son  igualmente  los 
actos  de  los  que  usurpen  funciones 
piiblicas,  y  los  empleos  conferidos 
sin  los  requisitos  prevenidos  por  la 
Constitucion  6  las  leyes. 

Art.  18.  Corresponde  exclusi- 
vamente  al  Poder  Legislativo  la 
facultad  de  acordar  la  enajenacion 
de  los  bienes  de  propiedad  na- 
cional,  decretar  emprestitos  e  im- 
poner  contribuciones. 

Art.  19.  Los  funcionarios  pu- 
blicos  no  son  duenos  sino  depo- 
sitaries de  la  autoridad.  Estan 
sujetos  a  las  leyes  y  jamas  pueden 
considerarse  superiores  a  ellas. 

Art.  20.  Los  funcionarios  publi- 
cos  son  responsables  por  la  inf  rac- 
cion  de  la  Constitucion  6  de  las 
leyes.  La  accion  para  acusarlos 
es  popular. 

Art.  21.  Todo  funcionario  pu- 
blico prestara  juramento  de  obser- 
var  y  cumplir  la  Constitucion  y 
las  leyes. 

Art.  22.  La  fuerza  militar  esta 
subordinada    al    Poder  Civil,   es 


ments  by  which  the  sovereignty 
and  independence  of  the  Republic 
is  abridged.  Anyone  who  should 
commit  this  crime  shall  be  con- 
sidered a  traitor. 

This  provision  shall  not  prevent 
the  Executive  from  negotiating 
treaties  for  the  opening  of  an  in- 
teroceanic  canal,  which  may  affect 
the  sovereignty  over  the  territory 
of  the  Republic.  These  treaties, 
in  order  to  be  valid,  shall  be  sub- 
mitted to  Congress  and  approved 
by  three-fourths  of  the  members 
thereof,  and  also  by  the  same  ma- 
jority of  a  constitutional  assembly 
convened  for  that  exclusive  pur- 
pose. 

Art.  16.  No  authority  shall  as- 
sume faculties  or  powers  not  grant- 
ed by  law. 

Art.  IT.  The  acts  of  the  legis- 
lative or  Executive  powers,  done 
in  violation  of  the  Constitution, 
shall  be  null  and  void,  no  matter 
in  what  form  they  are  issued.  The 
acts  done  by  those  who  have 
usurped  public  functions  and  the 
appointments  made  for  any  office 
without  the  requisites  established 
by  the  Constitution  and  the  laws 
shall  be  also  void. 

Art.  18.  Authority  is  vested  ex- 
clusively in  the  legislative  power 
to  direct  national  property  to  be 
alienated,  to  order  loans  to  be  con- 
tracted, and  to  levy  and  collect 
taxes. 

Art.  19.  Public  functionaries 
are  not  owners  but  depositaries  of 
the  authority.  They  are  subject 
to  law,  and  shall  never  consider 
themselves  superior  to  it. 

Art.  20.  Public  functionaries 
are  responsible  for  the  violation 
of  the  Constitution  and  the  laws. 
The  action  to  accuse  them  is  popu- 
lar. 

Art.  21.  Every  public  function- 
ary shall  take  an  oath  to  observe 
and  comply  with  the  Constitution 
and  the  laws. 

Art.  22.  Military  force  is  sub- 
ordinate to  the  civil  power.     It  is 


330 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


esencialmente  pasiva  y  jamas  debe 
deliberar. 

Art.  23.  La  Republiea  no  reco- 
noce  titulos  hereditarios  6  empleos 
venales,  ni  permite  la  fundacion 
de  mayorazgos. 

Art.  24.  La  pena  de  infamia  no 
es  trascendental.  Se  prohibe  el 
uso  del  tormento  y  la  pena  de 
contiscacion. 


secci6n  segunda. 
De  las  garantim  individuales. 

Art.  25.  Todo  hombre  es  igual 
ante  la  ley. 

Art.  26.  La  ley  no  tiene  efecto 
retroactivo. 

Art.  27.  Todo  hombre  es  libre 
en  la  Republiea;  no  puede  ser 
esclavo  el  que  se  halle  bajo  la  pro- 
teccion  de  sus  leyes. 

Art.  28.  Todo  costarricense 
puede  trasladarse  a  cualquier 
punto  de  la  Republiea  6  fuera 
de  ella,  siempre  que  se  halle  libre 
de  toda  responsabilidad,  y  volver 
euando  le  convenga. 

Art.  29.  La  propiedad  es  invio- 
lable; a  uinguno  puede  privarse 
de  la  suya,  si  no  es  por  interes 
publico  legalmente  comprobado, 
y  previa  mdemnizacion  a  justa 
tasacion  de  peritos  nombrados  por 
las  partes,  quienes  no  solo  deben 
estimar  el  valor  de  la  cosa  que  se 
tome,  sino  tambie*n  el  de  los  danos 
consiguientes  que  se  acrediten. 
En  caso  de  guerra  6  conmocion 
interior,  no  es  indispensable  que 
la  indemnizacion  sea  previa. 

Art.  30.  El  domicilio  de  los 
habitantes  de  la  Republiea  es  in- 
violable, y  no  puede  allanarse 
sino  en  los  casos  y  con  las  f  ormali- 
dades  que  la  ley  prescribe. 

Art.  31.  En  ningun  caso  se  po- 
dran  ocupar,  ni  menos  examinar, 
los  papeles  privados  de  los  habi- 


tantes de  la  Republiea. 


essentially  passive  and  shall  never 
deliberate. 

Art.  23.  The  Republic  does  not 
recognize  hereditary  titles  or  pur- 
chasable offices,  nor  shall  it  per- 
mit the  entailment  of  property. 

Art.  24.  The  penalty  of  infamy 
shall  not  extend  to  others  than  the 
guilty  parties.  The  use  of  tor- 
ture and  the  penalty  of  confisca- 
tion are  forbidden. 

SECTION   SECOND 

Individual  guaranties. 

Art.  25.  All  men  are  equal 
before  the  law. 

Art.  26.  The  law  shall  not  have 
retroactive  effect. 

Art.  27.  Every  man  is  free  in 
the  Republic;  no  one  who  is  under 
the  protection  of  its  laws  shall  be 
a  slave. 

Art.  28.  Every  Costa  Rican  can 
go  from  one  part  of  the  Republic 
to  another  or  leave  its  territory, 
or  return  at  his  will,  if  he  is  free 
from  all  responsibility. 

Art.  29.  The  right  of  property 
is  inviolable.  No  one  can  be  de- 
prived of  his  property  unless  it 
is  for  public  use  legally  proved, 
and  upon  previous  indemnification 
as  appraised  by  experts  appointed 
by  the  parties;  said  experts  to 
estimate  not  only  the  value  of  the 
property,  but  also  the  damages  re- 
sulting from  the  condemnation,  as 
established  by  proof.  In  case  of 
war  or  internal  disturbance,  it  is 
not  indispensable  for  the  indemni- 
fication to  be  previous. 

Art.  30.  The  domicile  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  Republic  is  in- 
violable. No  domicile  shall  be 
entered  except  in  the  cases  and 
with  the  formalities  established  by 
law. 

Art.  31.  In  no  case  shall  the 
private  papers  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  Republic  be  seized  or  ex- 
amined. 


CONSTITUTION. 


331 


Art.  32.  Es  inviolable  el  secreto 
de  la  correspondencia  escrita  6 
telegrafica,  y  la  que  f  uere  sustraida 
no  producira  efecto  legal. 

Art.  33.  Todos  los  habitantes 
de  la  Republica  tienen  el  derecho 
de  reunirse  pacificamente  y  sin 
armas,  }ra  sea  eon  el  objeto  de  ocu- 
parse  de  negocios  privados,  6  ya 
con  el  de  discutir  asuntos  politicos 
y  examinar  la  conducta  piiblica  de 
los  funcionarios. 

Art.  34.  Ninguna  persona  6  re- 
union de  personas  puede  tomar  el 
titulo  6  representacion  del  pueblo, 
arrogarse  sus  derechos,  ni  hacer 
peticiones  a  su  norabre.  La  in- 
fraccion  de  este  articulo  es  sedi- 
cion. 

Art.  35.  El  derecho  de  peticion 
puede  ejercerse  individual  6  co- 
lectivamente. 

Art.  36.  Ninguno  puede  ser  in- 
quietado  ni  perseguido  por  acto 
alguno  en  que  no  infrinja  la  ley, 
ni  por  la  manifestation  de  sus 
opiniones  politicas. 

Art.  37.  Todos  pueden  comuni- 
car  sus  pensamientos  de  palabra  6 
por  escrito  y  publfcarlos  por  medio 
de  la  imprenta,  sin  previa  censura, 
quedando  responsables  por  los  abu- 
sos  que  cometan  en  el  ejercicio  de 
este  derecho,  en  los  casos  y  del 
modo  que  la  ley  establezca. 

Art.  38.  El  conocimiento  de  las 
causas  civiles  y  criminales  es  pri- 
vativo  de  las  autoridades  estable- 
cidas  por  la  ley.  No  se  creara 
Comision,  Tribunal  6  Juez,  para 
causas  determinadas,  ni  se  sujetara 
a  la  jurisdiction  militar  sino  a  los 
individuos  del  Ejercito,  solo  por 
los  delitos  de  sedition  y  rebelion, 
por  los  que  se  cometan  estando  en 
servicio  6  requeridos  para  que  lo 
presten,  contra  la  disciplina,  y 
cualesquiera  otros  en  campana,  en 
cuyos  casos  seran  juzgados  con 
arreglo  a  la  Ordenanza. 


Art.  32.  The  secrecy  of  written 
or  telegraphic  correspondence  is 
inviolable.  Intercepted  corre- 
spondence shall  produce  no  legal 
effect. 

Art.  33.  All  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Republic  have  the  right  to 
meet  peaceably  and  without  arms, 
either  to  transact  private  business 
or  to  discuss  political  matters  and 
examine  the  public  conduct  of  the 
functionaries. 

Art.  34.  No  person  or  assem- 
blage of  persons  may  assume  the 
title  or  representation  of  the  peo- 
ple, arrogate  the  rights  of  the  lat- 
ter or  make  petitions  in  its  name. 
The  violation  of  this  provision 
shall  constitute  sedition. 

Art.  35.  The  right  of  petition 
may  be  exercised  individually  or 
collectively. 

Art.  36.  No  person  shall  be  mo- 
lested or  prosecuted  for  any  act 
which  is  not  in  violation  of  the 
law,  or  for  the  expression  of  po 
litical  opinions. 

Art.  37.  Every  one  may  commu- 
nicate to  others,  either  orally  or  in 
writing,  his  own  ideas  and  publish 
them  through  the  press  without 
previous  censorship;  but  he  shall 
be  held  responsible  for  any  abuse 
which  ma}^  be  committed  in  the  ex- 
ercise of  this  right,  in  the  cases  and 
in  the  manner  established  by  law. 

Art.  38.  Jurisdiction  in  civil 
and  criminal  cases  is  originally 
vested  in  the  authorities  estab- 
lished by  law.  No  commission, 
tribunal,  or  court  shall  be  created 
for  special  cases,  nor  shall  anyone 
be  subject  to  military  jurisdiction 
except  when  belonging  to  the 
arnry  and  when  the  offense  is  sedi- 
tion or  rebellion,  or  for  offenses 
committed  while  in  actual  mili- 
tary service  or  when  called  upon  to 
render  said  service;  also  breaches 
of  military  discipline  and  all  other 
offe*nses  committed  in  campaign. 
In  all  these  cases  thejr  shall  be  tried 
according  to  military  ordinances. 


332 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


Art.  39.  En  materia  criminal 
nadie  estsi  obligado  a  declarar  con- 
tra si  mismo;  ni  en  calidad  de 
testigo  puede  hacerlo  contra  su 
consorte,  ascendientes,  descen- 
dientes  li  otros  parientes  dentro 
del  tercer  grado  de  consanguini- 
dad  6  segundo  de  atinidad. 

Art.  40.  Ninguno  puede  ser  de- 
tenido  sin  un  indicio  comprobado 
de  haber  cometido  delito,  y  sin 
mandato  escrito  de  Juez  6  autori- 
dad  encargada  del  orden  publico, 
excepto  que  sea  reo  declarado  pro- 
fugo  6  delincuente  infragranti; 
pero  en  todo  caso  debe  ser  puesto 
a  disposition  de  Juez  competente, 
dentro  del  termino  perentorio  de 
veinticuatro  horas. 


Art.  41.  Todo  habitante  de  la 
Republica  tiene  el  derecho  de  ha- 
beas corpus. 

Art.  42.  A  nadie  se  hara  sufrir 
pena  alguna  sin  haber  sido  oido  y 
convencido  en  juicio  y  sin  que  le 
haya  sido  impuesta  por  sentencia 
ejecutoriada  de  Juez  6  autoridad 
competente.  Exceptuanse  el  apre- 
mio  corporal,  la  rebeldia  y  otras 
de  esta  naturaleza  en  materia  civil, 
y  las  de  multa  6  arresto  en  materia 
de  policia. 

Art.  43.  A  nadie  puede  impo- 
nerse  pena  que  por  ley  preexistente 
no  este  senalada  al  delito  6  falta 
que  cometa. 

Art.  44.  Ninguna  persona  puede 
ser  reducida  a  prision  por  deuda, 
sino  solamente  en  el  caso  de  f raude 
legalmente  comprobado. 

Art.  45.  La  vida  humana  es  in- 
violable en  Costa  Rica. 

Art.  46.  Todo  costarricense  6 
extranjero,  ocurriendo  a  las  leyes, 
debe  encontrar  remedio  para  las 
injurias  6  danos  que  ha}Ta  recibido 
en  su  persona,  propiedad  u  honra. 
Debe  hacersele  justicia  pronta, 
cumplidamente  y  sin  denegacion, 
y  en  estricta  conformidad  con  las 
leyes. 

Art.  47.  Todos  los  costarricen- 
ses  6  extranjeros  tienen  el  derecho 


Art.  39.  In  criminal  matters  no 
one  shall  be  compelled  to  testify 
against  himself,  nor  shall  anyone 
be  a  witness  against  his  consort, 
ancestors,  descendants,  or  rela- 
tions within  the  third  degree  of 
consanguinity  or  the  second  of 
affinity. 

Art.  40.  No  one  shall  be  detained 
without  sufficient  indication  that 
he  has  committed  an  offense,  and 
without  written  order  of  the  judge 
or  authority  intrusted  with  the 
preservation  of  public  order,  an 
order  which  can  be  omitted,  how- 
ever, in  cases  of  fugitives  from  jus- 
tice or  of  offenders  caught  in  the 
act.  In  all  cases  the  prisoner  shall 
be  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  com- 
petent judge  within  the  perempt- 
ory term  of  twenty-four  hours. 

Art.  41.  All  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Republic  are  entitled  to  the 
writ  of  habeas  corpus. 

Art.  42.  No  one  shall  be  com- 
pelled to  undergo  punishment 
without  having  been  properly 
tried,  convicted  and  duly  sen- 
tenced by  the  competent  judge  or 
authority.  Imprisonment  for  con- 
tempt and  other  measures  of  this 
nature  in  civil  matters,  and  fines 
and  arrests  in  police  matters,  are 
excepted  from  this  rule. 

Art.  43.  No  penalty  shall  be  im- 
posed which  is  not  established  by 
laws  anterior  to  the  offense. 

Art.  44.  No  one  shall  be  impris- 
oned for  debt,  except  upon  con- 
viction of  fraud. 

Art.  45.  Human  life  is  inviola- 
ble in  Costa  Rica. 

Art.  46.  Costa  Ricans  or  for- 
eigners shall  seek  redress  for  inju- 
ries or  damages  done  to  their  per- 
sons, property,  or  honor  before 
the  courts.  Justice  shall  be  ad- 
ministered to  them  promptly, 
fully,  without  denial,  and  in  strict 
conformity  with  the  laws. 

Art.  47.  Costa  Ricans  as  well  as 
foreigners  have  the  right  to  settle 


CONSTITUTION. 


333 


de  terminar  sus  dif  erencias  en  ma- 
teria civil  por  medio  de  arbitros, 
ya  sea  antes  6  y&  despu^s  de  ini- 
ciado  el  pleito. 

Art.  48.  Un  mismo  Juez  no 
puede  serlo  en  diversas  instancias, 
siempre  que  se  trate  de  la  decision 
del  mismo  punto. 

Art.  49.  Las  acciones  privadas 
que  no  toquen  con  el  orden  6  la 
moralidad  publica,  6  que  no  pro- 
ducen  dano  6  perjuicio  de  tercero, 
estan  fuera  de  la  action  de  la  ley. 

TITLTL.O  IV. 

DE  LA  RELIGION. 

Art.  50.  La  Religion  Catolica, 
Apostolica,  Romana,  es  la  del  Esta- 
do,  el  cual  contribuye  a  su  man- 
tenimiento,  sin  impedir  el  libre 
ejercicio  en  la  Republica  de  ningun 
otro  culto  que  no  se  oponga  a  la 
moral  universal,  ni  a  las  buenas 
costumbres. 

TITULO  V. 

DE  LA  ENSENANZA. 

Art.  51.  La  enseiianza  primaria 
de  am  bos  sexos  es  obligatoria, 
gratuita  y  costeada  por  la  Nation. 
La  direction  inmediata  de  ella 
corresponde  a  las  Municipalidades, 
y  al  Poder  Ejecutivo  la  suprema 
inspection. 

Art.  52.  Todo  costarricense  6 
extranjero  es  libre  para  dar  6  re- 
cibir  la  instruction  que  a  bien 
tenga,  en  los  establecimientos  que 
no  sean  costeados  con  fondos 
publicos. 

TfTULiO  VI. 

secci6n  primera. 

Del  sufragio. 

Art.  53.  El  sufragio  tiene  dos 
grados. 

Art.  54.  El  derecho  de  sufra- 
gar  en  el  primero  corresponde  a 


their  differences  in  civil  matters  by 
arbitration,  either  before  or  after 
legal  proceedings  have  been  insti- 
tuted. 

Art.  48.  The  same  judge  can 
not  take  cognizance  of  a  case  in 
different  instances  if  the  point  to 
be  decided  is  the  same. 

Art.  49.  Private  actions  not  af- 
fecting morals  or  public  order,  or 
doing  no  injury  to  third  parties, 
are  beyond  the  action  of  the  law. 


TITLE   TV. 

RELIGION. 

Art.  50.  The  Roman  Catholic 
Apostolic  Religion  is  the  religion 
of  the  State,  and  the  latter  snail 
contribute  to  its  support,  without 
preventing  any  other  worship  not 
contraiy  to  universal  morals  or 
good  customs  from  being  freely 
exercised  in  the  Republic. 

TITLE  V. 

INSTRUCTION. 

Art.  51.  Primary  instruction  of 
both  sexes  is  compulsory,  gratui- 
tous, and  supported  by  the  Na- 
tion. The  immediate  supervision 
of  primary  instruction  corresponds 
to  the  municipal  bodies,  and  its 
supreme  inspection  belongs  to  the 
Executive. 

Art.  52.  Every  Costa  Rican  or 
foreigner  is  free  to  give  or  receive 
the  instruction  which  he  may  de- 
sire in  establishments  not  sup- 
ported by  public  funds. 

TITLE    VI. 
SECTION    FIRST 

Suffrage. 

Art.  53.  Suffrage  has  two  de- 
grees. 

Art.  54.  The  right  to  vote  in 
the  first  degree  belongs  to  all  citi- 


334 


REPUBLIC   OF    COSTA    RICA. 


todos  los  ciudadanos  en  ejercicio. 
El  de  sufragar  en  el  segundo  es 
privativo  de  los  electoresque  aque- 
llos  nombren. 

Art.  55.  Los  primeros  lo  ejer- 
een  en  juntas  populares;  los  se- 
gundos,  en  asambleas  electorales. 

Art.  56.  El  objeto  de  6stas  es 
el  nombramiento  de  electores  que 
correspondan  al  distrito  a  razon 
de  tres  propietarios  y  un  suplente 
por  cada  mil  individuos  de  pobla- 
cion;  mas  el  distrito  que  no  los 
tenga,  nombrara  sin  embargo  los 
cuatro  electores  dichos. 


secci6n  segunda. 
De  las  asambleas  electorales. 

Art.  57.  Estas  se  componen  de 
los  electores  nombrados  en  las 
juntas  populares. 

Art.  58.  Para  ser  elector  se 
requiere: 

1.  Ser  ciudadano  en  ejercicio. 

2.  Tener  veintiun  anos  cumpli- 
dos. 

.  3.  Saber  leer  y  escribir. 

4.  Ser  vecino  de  la  Provincia  a 
que  pertenece  el  distrito  que  le 
nombre. 

5.  Ser  propietario  de  cantidad 
que  no  baje  de  quinientos  pesos,  6 
tener  una  renta  anual  de  doscientos. 

Art.  59.  No  pueden  ser  elec- 
tores: el  Presidente  de  la  Repu- 
blica,  el  Obispo,  los  Secretarios 
de  Estado,  los  Magistrados  de  la 
Corte  de  Justicia  y  los  Goberna- 
dores. 

Art.  60.  El  encargo  de  elector 
es  obligatorio  conforme  a  la  ley; 
dura  cuatro  anos,  y  los  que  lo 
ejerzan  son  reelegibles  indefinida- 
mente. 

Art.  61.  Son  atribuciones  de  las 
asambleas  electorales: 


zens  in  the  full  exercise  of  their 
rights.  The  right  to  vote  in  the 
second  degree  is  vested  exclusively 
in  the  electors  appointed  b}T  the 
former. 

Art.  55.  Popular  suffrage  is  ex- 
ercised in  popular  meetings.  Suf- 
frage in  the  second  degree  is  ex- 
ercised in  electoral  assemblies. 

Art.  56.  The  purpose  of  these 
assemblies  is  the  appointment  of 
electors  for  each  district,  at  the 
rate  of  three  electors  and  a  substi- 
tute, for  every  thousand  inhabit- 
ants; but  even  if  the  population  of 
the  district  is  less  than  a  thousand 
the  four  electors  above  mentioned 
shall  be  appointed. 

SECTION  SECOND. 

.   The  electoral  assemblies. 

Art.  57.  The  electoral  assem- 
blies shall  consist  of  the  electors  ap- 
pointed in  the  popular  meetings. 

Art.  58.  To  be  an  elector  it 
shall  be  required: 

1.  To  be  a  citizen  in  the  full 
exercise  of  the  rightsof  citizenship. 

2.  To  be  over  twent}'-one  }Tears 
of  age. 

3.  To  know  how  to  read  and 
write. 

4.  To  be  a  resident  of  the  Prov- 
ince to  which  the  district  making 
the  appointment  belongs. 

5.  To  possess  at  least  five  hun- 
dred dollars,  or  to  have  a  yearly 
revenue  of  two  hundred  dollars. 

Art.  59.  The  following  shall  not 
be  electors:  The  President  of  the 
Republic,  the  Bishop,  the  Secre- 
taries of  state,  the  justices  of  the 
court  of  justice,  and  the  governors. 

Art.  60.  The  fufillment  of  the 
duties  of  an  elector  is  compulsory 
under  the  law;  the  term  of  office 
is  four  years,  and  those  who  ex- 
ercise it  can  be  reelected  indefi- 
nitely. 

Art.  61.  The  following  are  the 
powers  of  the  electoral  assemblies: 


CONSTITUTION. 


335 


1.  Sufragar  para  Presideyte  de 
la  Republica. 

2.  Hacer  las  elecciones  de  Di- 
putados  que  a  cada  Provincia  co- 
rresponda,  a  razon  de  un  propie- 
tario  por  cada  ocho  mil  habitantes, 
y  por  un  residuo  que  exceda  de 
cuatro  mil.  La  Provincia  de  Gua- 
nacaste  elegira,  sin  embargo,  dos 
Diputados  propietarios  y  un  su- 
plente,  y  la  Comarca  de  Puntare- 
nas  un  propietario  y  un  supv  nte. 

3.  Elegir  los  individuos  que 
deben  componer  las  Municipali- 
dades,  y  hacer  las  demas  elec- 
ciones que  les  atribuya  la  ley. 

Art.  62.  Una  ley  particular 
arreglara  sobre  estas  bases  la  ca- 
lificacion  de  los  ciudadanos  y  las 
elecciones,  como  mejor  convenga 
a  la  legalidad,  libertad  y  orden 
del  suf  ragio  en  sus  dos  grados. 


TfriTLO  VII. 
DEL  GOBIERNO. 

Art.  63.  El  Gobierno  de  la  Re- 
publica es  popular,  representative, 
alternativo  y  responsable,  y  lo 
ejercen  tres  poderes  distintos, 
que  se  denominaran :  Legislativo, 
Ejecutivo  y  Judicial. 

tItulo  vhl 

DEL  PODER  LEGISLATIVO. 

secci6n  primera. 

Organization  del  Congreso  Consti- 
tutional. 

Art.  64.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
es  delegado  por  el  pueblo  en  una 
corporacion  que  se  denomina  Con- 
greso Constitucional. 

Art.  65.  El  Congreso  Constitu- 
cional se  forma  de  Diputados 
elegidos  por  las  asambleas  electo- 
rates, en  la  proporcion  que  se 
establece  en  la  f  raccion  2,  articulo 
61  de  esta  Constitution. 

Art.  66.  Los  Diputados  dura- 
ran  en  sus  destinos  cuatro  anos, 


1.  To  vote  for  President  of  the 
Republic. 

2.  To  elect  the  deputies  corre- 
sponding to  each  Province,  at  the 
rate  of  one  deputy  for  each  eight 
thousand  inhabitants  and  a  fraction 
thereof  exceeding  four  thousand. 
The  Province  of  Guanacaste  shall 
elect,  nevertheless,  two  deputies 
and  one  substitute,  and  the  comarca 
of  Punta  Arenas  shall  elect  one 
deputy  and  one  substitute. 

3.  To  elect  the  members  of  the 
municipal  councils,  and  all  the 
other  officers  whose  appointments 
are  entrusted  to  them  by  law. 

Art.  62.  A  special  law  shall  hx 
upon  these  bases  and  in  the  manner 
best  calculated  to  insure  the  legal- 
ity, liberty,  and  order  of  the  suf- 
frage in  its  two  degrees,  the  quali- 
fications required  from  the  candi- 
dates, and  the  manner  of  the  elec- 
tions. 

TITLE  VII. 

THE  GOVERNMENT. 

Art.  63.  The  Government  of  the 
Republic  is  popular,  representa- 
tive, alternative,  and  responsible, 
and  is  vested  in  three  different 
powers  to  be  known  as  legislative, 
executive,  and  judicial. 

TITLE  VIII. 

THE  LEGISLATIVE  POWER. 
SECTION    FIRST. 

Organization  of  the  Constitutional 
Congress. 

Art.  64.  The  legislative  power 
is  delegated  by  the  people  to  a  body 
to  be  called  "The  Constitutional 
Congress." 

Art.  65.  The  Constitutional 
Congress  shall  consist  of  depu- 
ties elected  by  the  electoral  as- 
semblies in  the  proportion  estab- 
lished in  clause  2,  article  61,  of 
the  present  Constitution. 

Art.  66.  The  deputies  shall 
serve  for  four  years,  and  shall  be 


330 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


debiendo  ser  renovados  cada  dos 
anos  por  mitades,  y  pudiendo  ser 
reelectos  indefinidamente.  La 
suerte  designard  en  el  primer  pe- 
riodo  de  la  renovacion  los  indivi- 
duos  que  deben  dejar  sus  asientos. 

Art.  67.  El  Diputado  es  abso- 
lutamente  irresponsable  por  las 
opiniones  y  votos  que  emita  en  la 
Camara. 

Durante  las  sesiones  no  podra  ser 
arrestado  por  causa  civil,  salvo  que 
el  Congreso  lo  autorize,  6  que  el 
mismo  Diputado  lo  consienta. 

Desde  que  f  uere  declarado  electo, 
propietario,  6  suplente,  por  la 
asamblea  electoral  hasta  que  ter- 
mine  su  periodo  legal,  no  podra  ser 
detenido,  ni  preso,  por  motivo  cri- 
minal, 6  de  Policia,  sin  que  previa- 
mente  haya  sido  suspenso  por  el 
Congreso.  Esta  inmunidad  no 
tiene  cabida  en  el  caso  de  flagrante 
delito  6  falta,  ni  cuando  el  mismo 
Diputado  manilieste  renunciarla. 
Sin  embargo,  el  Diputado  detenido 
6  preso,  en  el  caso  de  flagrante 
delito,  6  falta,  sera  puesto  en  liber- 
tad  si  el  Congreso  lo  ordenare. 

Art.  68.  El  Congreso  se  reunira 
cada  ano  el  dia  primero  de  Mayo, 
aun  cuando  no  haya  sido  convo- 
cado.  y  sus  sesiones  ordinarias 
duraran  sesenta  dias,  prorrogables 
hasta  noventa  en  caso  necesario. 

Art.  69.  Tambie'n  se  reunira  ex- 
traordinariamente,  cuando  alefecto 
sea  convocado  por  el  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo.  En  el  Decreto  de  convoca- 
toria  se  determinaran  los  asuntos 
de  que  exclusivamente  debe  ocu- 
parse  el  Congreso. 

Art.  70.  Ningiin  Diputado  podra 
durante  las  sesiones  admitir  empleo 
del  Poder  Ejecutivo,  salvo  que  se 
tratare  de  una  Secretaria  de'Estado, 
6  de  una  mision  diplomatica. 

Art.  71.  Para  ser  Diputado  se 
requiere: 

1.  Ser  costarricense  de  naci- 
miento  6  naturalizado,  con  una 
residencia  de  cuatro  anos  despues 


renewed  by  halves  every  two  years. 
Thej-  may  be  reelected  indefinitely. 
The  members  who  shall  leave  their 
seats  at  the  first  period  of  the  re- 
newal shall  be  designated  by  lot. 

Art.  67.  Deputies  are  absolutely 
irresponsible  for  their  opinions 
and  votes  in  Congress. 

During  the  sessions  no  deputy 
shall  be  arrested  for  civil  cause, 
unless  Congress  gives  authorit}7  to 
do  so,  or  the  deputy  himself  con- 
sents thereto. 

No  deputy  or  substitute  shall, 
from  the  time  of  his  election  by 
the  electoral  assembly  until  the 
end  of  his  term,  be  detained  or 
arrested  for  criminal  offenses  or 
misdemeanors  unless  previously 
suspended  bj7  Congress.  This  im- 
munity shall  not  be  respected  in 
case  of  flagrante  delicto  or  when 
the  privilege  is  waived;  but  the 
deputy  detained  or  imprisoned  in 
case  oi  flagrante  delicto  shall  be 
released  if  so  ordered  by  Congress. 


Art.  68.  Congress  shall  meet 
every  year  on  the  first  of  May, 
even  if  no  call  has  been  issued.  The 
ordinary  sessions  shall  last  sixty 
days,  and  shall  be  extended  when 
necessary  up  to  ninety  days. 

Art.  69.  Congress  shall  also 
hold  extraordinar}'  sessions  when 
called  to  do  so  by  the  Executive 
power.  The  call  shall  set  forth  the 
matters  exclusively  to  be  dealt  with 
in  the  extra  session. 

Art.  70.  No  deputy  shall  be  al- 
lowed during  the  session  to  accept 
any  position  from  the  Executive 
power,  except  that  of  member  of 
the  cabinet  or  a  diplomatic  mis- 
sion. 

Art.  71.  To  be  a  deputy  it  shall 
be  required: 

1.  To  be  a  Costa  Rican  by  birth 
or  naturalization.  In  the  latter 
case  a  residence  of  four  years  in 


CONSTITUTION. 


337 


de  haber  adquirido  la  carta  de  na- 
turaleza. 

2.  Reunir  las  calidades  que  se 
exigen  para  ser  elector,  excepto 
la  4. 

secci6n  segunda. 

Atribuciones  del  Congreso. 

Art.  72.  Son  atribuciones  ex- 
clusivas  del  Congreso: 

1.  Abrir  y  cerrar  sus  sesiones 
en  el  tiempo  designado  por  la  ley, 
y  suspenderlas  cuando  lo  tuviere 
a  bien,  para  continuarlas  dentro 
del  ano,  dejando,  entre  tanto,  si 
fuere  necesario,  una  coniision  de 
redaccion. 

2.  Hacer  la  apertura  de  las 
actas  el ecto rales,  la  calificacion  y 
escrutinio  de  los  sufragios  para 
Presidente  de  la  Republica,  y  de- 
clarar  la  eleccion  de  este,  cuando 
resulte  por  mayoria  absoluta;  y  no 
habiendola,  hacer  la  eleccion  entre 
los  dos  individuos  que  hayan  ob- 
tenido  may  or  niimero  de  sufragios; 
pero  en  el  caso  de  que  dos  6  mas 
tuvieren  igual  numero,  y  algun 
otro  mayor  numero  que  estos,  el 
Congreso  elegira  entre  ellos  el 
Presidente  de  la  Republica. 

3.  Nombrar  los  individuos  que 
deben  componer  la  Corte  Suprema 
de  Justicia  y  los  Conjueces  de  que 
habla  el  articulo  128,  seccion  segun- 
da, titulo  X,  de  esta  Constitution; 
recibir  a  aquellos  y  al  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  el  juramento  que 
deben  prestar;  admitir  6  no  las 
renuncias  de  los  individuos  de  los 
Supremos  Poderes,  y  resolver  las 
dudas  que  ocurran,  en  el  caso  de 
incapacidad  fisica  6  moral  del 
Presidente  de  la  Republica,  decla- 
rando  si  debe  6  no  procederse  a 
nueva  eleccion.  En  este  ultimo 
caso,  los  Secretarios  de  Estado 
daran  cuenta  al  Presidente  del 
Congreso,  para  que  lo  convoque 
extraordinariamente  con  el  fin 
indicado. 


360a— vol  1—06- 


-22 


the  country   after  naturalization 
shall  be  required. 

2.  To  have  all  the  qualifications 
required  from  the  electors,  except- 
ing the  fourth. 

SECTION   SECOND. 

Powers  of  Congress. 

Art.  72.  The  following  are  ex- 
clusive powers  of  Congress: 

1.  To  open  and  close  its  sessions 
at  the  time  fixed  by  law,  or  ad- 
journ when  so  deemed  advisable, 
to  meet  again  at  some  other  time 
in  the  same  year,  leaving  in  the 
meanwhile,  if  necessary,  an  edit- 
ing committee. 

2.  To  examine  the  certificates  of 
election,  and  count  the  votes  for 
President  of  the  Republic,  and  de- 
clare elected  the  one  having  an 
absolute  majority  of  votes.  In 
case  there  is  no  such  majority,  the 
election  shall  be  made  from  the 
two  candidates  who  obtained  the 
greatest  number  of  votes;  but  if 
there  are  two  or  more  having  the 
same  number  and  another  one  hav- 
ing a  greater  number  than  them, 
Congress  shall  select  from  among 
all  the  President  of  the  Republic. 

3.  To  appoint  the  justices  of 
the  supreme  court  and  the  assist- 
ant justices  mentioned  in  Title  X, 
section  second,  article  128,  of  the 
present  Constitution;  to  admin- 
ister to  said  justices  and  to  the 
President  of  the  Republic  the  oath 
of  office;  to  accept  or  refuse  to 
accept  the  resignations  of  the  in- 
dividuals vested  with  the  supreme 
powers;  and  to  settle  any  doubt 
which  may  occur  in  case  of  phys- 
ical or  moral  disability  of  the 
President  of  the  Republic,  declar- 
ing whether  or  not  a  new  elec- 
tion shall  be  held.  In  the  latter 
case  the  Secretaries  of  state  shall 
report  to  the  President  of  Con- 
gress, in  order  that  Congress  may 
be  called  to  an  extra  session  for 
that  special  purpose. 


338 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


4.  Aprobar  6  desechar  los  con- 
venios,  concordatos  y  tratados 
piiblicos. 

5.  Prestar  6  negar  su  consenti- 
miento  para  el  ingreso  de  tropas 
extranjeras  en  la  Republica  y  para 
la  estacion  de  escuadras  en  sus 
puertos. 

6.  Autorizar  al  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo  para  deelarar  la  guerra. 

7.  Suspender,  por  tres  cuartas 
partes  de  votos  presentes,  el  orden 
constitutional,  en  caso  de  conmo- 
cion  interior  6  de  agresion  extran- 
jera,  siempre  que  la  suspension  se 
juzgue  indispensable  para  salvar 
la  Republica.  Esta  suspension 
durara  por  el  tiempo  que  lo  exijan 
las  circunstancias  que  la  motivan, 
no  pudiendo  en  ningiin  caso  exce- 
der  de  sesenta  dias  sin  nueva 
dcclaratoria  del  Congreso. 

Parraf  o  iinico.  La  suspension  de 
que  habla  esta  atribucion  jamas 
comprendera  la  garantia  consig- 
nada  en  el  articulo  45,  titulo  111, 
seccion  segunda,  de  esta  Consti- 
tucion. 

8.  Designar  para  cada  periodo 
presidencial,  en  la  respectiva  pri- 
mera  reunion  ordinana  del  Con- 
greso, tres  individuos  con  la  de- 
nominacion  de  primero,  segundo  y 
tercer  Designados,  para  eiercer  el 
Poder  Eiecutivo  en  las  faltas  tem- 

Sorales  o  absolutas  del  Presidente, 
ebiendo  tener  las  calidades  exi- 
gidas  para  este.  Faltando  el 
Presidente  y  los  Designados,  los 
Secretarios  de  Estado  procederan 
conforme  a  lo  prevenido  en  el  final 
de  la  atribucion  3  de  este  articulo. 
No  podra  ser  electo  Designado 

Suien  hubiere  sido  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  en  el  periodo  anterior  al 
en  que  ha  de  f  uncionar  aquel,  ni  el 
Designado  que  se  hallare  en  ejerci- 
cio  de  la  Presidencia  al  tiempo  de 
la  election,  6  que  la  hubiere  ejerci- 
do  en  los  seis  meses  anteriores,  6 
parte  de  ellos. 

9.  Admitir  las  acusaciones  que 
se  interpongan    contra    el  Presi- 


4.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
conventions,  concordats  and  public 
treaties. 

5.  To  grant  or  refuse  permission 
to  foreign  troops  to  enter  the 
Republic,  or  to  foreign  fleets  to 
station  themselves  in  its  seaports. 

6.  To  authorize  the  Executive 
power  to  declare  war. 

7.  To  suspend,  bya  vote  of  three- 
fourths  of  the  members  present, 
the  constitutional  order,  in  case  of 
domestic  disturbance  or  foreign 
aggression,  if  said  suspension  is 
deemed  indispensable  to  save  the 
Republic.  This  suspension  shall 
last  for  the  time  which  circum- 
stances may  require,  but  in  no  case 
shall  it  exceed  sixty  days  without 
a  further  declaration  of  Congress. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  suspension 
mentioned  in  the  foregoing  clause 
shall  never  include  the  guaran- 
tee granted  by  Title  III,  section 
second,  article  45,  of  the  present 
Constitution. 

8.  To  designate  for  each  presi- 
dential period  in  the  respective  first 
ordinary  meeting  of  Congress  three 
individuals,  to  be  called  first,  sec- 
ond, and  third  designados,  who 
shall  exercise  the  Executive  power 
in  the  temporary  or  absolute  ab- 
sence of  the  President,  and  they 
shall  have  the  same  qualifications 
as  the  latter.  There  being  neither 
President  nor  designados,  the  sec- 
retaries of  state  shall  proceed  in 
conformity  with  the  provisions  of 
clause  3  of  the  present  article. 

No  one  shall  be  elected  designado 
who  was  President  of  the  Repub- 
lic in  the  immediately  preceding 
period.  Nor  shall  the  designado 
who  at  the  time  of  the  election, 
or  during  the  six  months  pre- 
vious or  a  part  thereof,  was  act- 
ing as  President,  shall  be  re- 
elected. 

9.  To  hear  charges  made  against 
the  President  of    the   Republic, 


CONSTITUTION. 


339 


dente  de  la  Repiiblica,  individuos 
de  los  Supremos  Poderes,  Secre- 
taries deEstadoy  Ministros  Diplo- 
matics de  la  Repiiblica,  y  declarar 
por  dos  terceras  partes  de  votos  si 
ha  6  no  lugar  a  formacion  de  causa 
contra  ellos,  poniendolos,  en  caso 
afirmativo,  (x  disposition  de  laCorte 
Suprema  de  Justicia,  para  que  sean 
juzgados  conforme  a  Derecho. 

10.  Decretar  la  suspension  de 
cualquiera  de  los  individuos  que 
se  mencionan  en  la  atribucion  pre- 
cedente,  cuando  haya  de  proce- 
derse  contra  ellos  por  delitos 
comunes. 

11.  Examinar  los  informes 
anuales  que  deben  presentar  los 
Secretarios  de  Estado,  la  cuenta  de 
gastos  de  Hacienda,  y  votar  el 
presupuesto  general,  y  en  la  misma 
reunion,  6  en  las  sesiones  extra- 
ordinarias,  decretar  los  gastos 
extraordinarios  que  sea  necesario 
hacer. 

12.  Fijar  tarnbien  anualmente 
el  maximum  de  la  f  uerza  armada 
de  mar  y  tierra  que,  en  tiempo  de 
paz,  pueda  el  Ejecutivo  mantener 
en  servicio  activo,  y  entonces,  6 
en  las  sesiones  extraordinarias, 
senalar  el  aumento  que  puede 
darse  a  dicha  f  uerza  en  los  casos 
de  guerra  exterior  y  de  insurrec- 
tion a  mano  armada. 

13.  Dar  las  leyes,  reformarlas, 
interpretarlas  y  derogarlas. 

11.  Establecer  los  impuestos  y 
contribuciones  nacionales. 

15.  Decretar  la  enajenacion  6 
aplicacion  a  usos  publicos  de  los 
bienes  propios  de  la  Nation. 

16.  Autorizar  especialmente  al 
Poder  Ejecutivo  para  negociar 
emprestitos  6  celebrar  otros  con- 
tratos,  pudiendo  hipotecar  a  su 
seguridad  las  rentas  nacionales. 

17.  Conferir  grados  militares 
desde  Coronel  inclusive  arriba. 

18.  Concederpremiospersonales 
y  honorificos  a  los  que  hayan  hecho 


members  of  the  supreme  power, 
secretaries  of  State  and  diplo- 
matic ministers  of  the  Republic, 
and  declare  by  a  two-thirds  vote 
whether  or  not  said  functionaries 
shall  be  put  on  trial;  and,  in  the 
affirmative  case,  place  them  at  the 
disposal  of  the  supreme  court  of 
justice  to  be  dealt  with  according 
to  law. 

10.  To  order  the  suspension  of 
any  one  of  the  functionaries  men- 
tioned in  the  preceding  clause 
when  they  are  to  be  tried  for 
common  offenses. 

11.  To  examine  the  annual  re- 
ports of  the  secretaries  of  state, 
and  the  account  of  the  expenses  of 
the  Government;  to  vote  the  gen- 
eral budget  of  receipts  and  ex- 
penditures; and  to  make  either  at 
the  same  meeting  or  in  extra  ses- 
sion the  necessary  appropriations 
to  meet  any  extraordinary  ex- 
penses which  may  be  incurred. 

12.  To  fix  annually  the  maxi- 
mum of  the  armed  land  and  sea 
forces,  which  in  time  of  peace 
may  be  kept  in  active  service  by 
the  Executive;  and  then,  or  in  an 
extraordinary  session,  decree  the 
increase  to  be  made  in  said  forces 
in  cases  of  foreign  war  or  armed 
insurrection. 

13.  To  enact,  amend,  interpret, 
and  repeal  the  laws. 

14.  To  levy  national  taxes  and 
imposts. 

15.  To  provide  for  the  sale  or 
application  to  public  uses  of  the 
national  property. 

16.  To  give  special  au.hority  to 
the  Executive  Power  to  negotiate 
loans  or  enter  into  other  contracts 
pledging  for  their  security  the 
national  revenue. 

IT.  To  grant  military  posi- 
tions above  and  including  that  of 
Colonel. 

18.  To  grant  personal  rewards 
and  honors  to  those  who  have  ren- 


340 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


{rrandes  e"  importantes  servicios  a 
a  Repiiblica  y  decretar  honores  a 
su  memoria. 

19.  Determinar  la  ley,  tipo, 
forma  y  denominacion  de  las  mo- 
nedas  3T  las  pesas  jt  medidas. 

20.  Proinover  el  progreso  de  las 
ciencias  y  de  las  artes  y  asegurar 
por  tiempo  limitado  a  los  autores 
6  inventores  el  exclusivo  derecho 
de  sus  respectivos  escritos  6  des- 
cubrimientos. 

21.  Crear  establecimientos  para 
la  ensenanza  y  progreso  de  las 
ciencias  y  de  las  artes,  senalandoles 
renta  para  su  sostenimiento,  y  pro- 
curando  con  particularidad  gene- 
ralizar  la  ensenanza  primaria. 

22.  Crear  los  Tribunales  y  Juz- 
gados  y  los  demas  empleos  necesa- 
rios  para  el  servicio  nacional. 

secci6n  tercera. 

Disposiciones  generate*. 

Art.  73.  No  pueden  ser  electos 
Diputados: 

1.  El  Presidente  de  la  Repu- 
blica  y  los  Secretarios  de  Estado; 

2.  Los  Magistrados  propieta- 
rios  de  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia; 

3.  Los  que  ejerzan  jurisdiccion 
6  autoridad  extensiva  a  toda  una 
Provincia. 

Art.  74.  Es  incompatible  la  ca- 
lidad  de  Diputado  con  la  de  em- 
pleado  subalterno  de  los  otros 
Supremos  Poderes.  Esta  incom- 
patibilidad  comienza  desde  el  prin- 
cipio  del  periodo  legislativo,  y  se 
extiende  a  los  Diputados  suplentes. 

Fuera  de  sesiones  puede  el  Di- 
putado admitir  cualquier  empleo 
del  Ejecutivo,  y  durante  ellas  las 
que  indica  el  articulo  71.  Pero 
tanto  en  uno  como  en  otro  caso 
perdera  su  puesto  en  el  Congreso 
al  aceptar  el  cargo.  Dentro  y 
fuera  del  termino  de  sesiones, 
puede  libremente  aceptar  funcio- 


dered  signal  and  important  services 
to  the  Republic,  and  decree  honors 
to  their  memories. 

19.  To  fix  the  fineness,  type, 
form  and  denominations  of  coins, 
and  the  s3Tstem  of  weights  and 
measures. 

20.  To  promote  the  progress  of 
science  and  arts,  and  secure  for  a 
limited  period  of  time  to  authors 
and  inventors  the  exclusive  owner- 
ship of  their  respective  writings 
or  discoveries. 

21.  To  create  establishments  for 
the  teaching  and  promotion  of  sci- 
ence and  arts,  appropriating  funds 
for  their  support,  and  endeavoring 
particularly  to  render  primary  in- 
struction general. 

22.  To  create  tribunals,  courts, 
and  all  other  offices  necessary  for 
the  national  service. 

section  third. 

General  provisions. 

Art  73.  The  following  shall  not 
be  elected  deputies: 

1.  The  President  of  the  Repub- 
lic and  the  secretaries  of  state. 

2.  The  Justices  of  the  supreme 
court. 

3.  Those  exercising  jurisdiction 
or  authority  over  the  whole  of 
one  Province. 

Art.  74.  The  position  of  deputy 
is  incompatible  with  that  of  sub- 
ordinate employee  of  the  other 
supreme  powers.  This  incompati- 
bility commences  at  the  beginning 
of  the  legislative  period,  and  is 
also  applicable  to  the  substitutes. 

When  Congress  is  not  in  session 
a  deputy  may  accept  any  position 
from  the  Executive,  and  during 
the  sessions  of  Congress  is  also 
free  to  accept  those  which  are  men- 
tioned in  article  71,  but  in  either 
case  he  shall  lose  his  seat  in  Con- 
gress at  the  moment  of  accepting 
the  position.     During  the  session 


CONSTITUTION. 


341 


nes  judiciales,  pero  perdera  igual- 
mente  su  puesto  en  la  Camara. 


Art.  75.  El  Congreso  no  podra 
abrir  sus  sesiones,  ni  ejercer  las 
funciones  que  le  competen,  sin  la 
concurrencia  de  dos  tercios  de  sus 
miembros. 

Art.  76.  Cuando,  llegado  el  dia 
sefialado  para  abrir  sus  sesiones, 
no  pueda  verifiearlo,  6  que  abiertas 
no  pueda  continuarlas  por  falta 
del  quorum  que  requiere  el  articulo 
precedente,  los  miembros  pre- 
sentes,  en  cualquier  numero  que 
sea,  apremiaran  a  los  ausentes  bajo 
las  penas  establecidas  por  la  ley 
para  que  concurran,  y  abrira  6 
continuara  las  sesiones  luego  que 
haya  competente  numero. 

Art.  77.  El  Presidente  del  Con- 
greso prestara  ante  e*ste  el  jura- 
mento  de  ley,  y  los  Diputados  en 
manos  del  Presidente. 

Art.  78.  El  Congreso  residira 
en  la  Capital  de  la  Repiiblica,  y 
tanto  para  trasladar  su  residencia 
a  otro  lugar,  como  para  suspender 
sus  sesiones  por  tiempo  deter- 
minado,  se  necesitan  dos  tercios 
de  votos. 

Art.  79.  Las  sesiones  del  Con- 
greso seran  piiblicas,  excepto  en 
caso  deque  haya motivo para  tratar 
algiin  negocio  en  sesion  secreta. 

Art.  80.  El  Congreso  se  dara  el 
reglamento  necesario  para  el  orden 
y  direccion  de  sus  trabajos  y  para 
lo  relativo  a  su  policia  interior. 

Parrafo  unico.  Conforme  a 
dicho  reglamento  puede  corregir  a 
sus  miembros  con  las  penas  correc- 
cionales  que  en  el  se  establezcan, 
cuando  estos  lo  quebranten. 

Art.  81.  Corresponde  al  Con- 
greso verificar  los  poderes  de  sus 
miembros,  y  decidir  sobre  las  re- 
clamaciones  que  se  hagan  por  nuli- 
dad  en  las  elecciones  de  ellos. 


or  after  the  adjournment  deputies 
may  also  accept  judicial  positions; 
but  they  shall  lose  thereby  their 
seats  in  Congress. 

Art.  75.  Congress  shall  not  open 
its  sessions  or  exercise  the  func- 
tions belonging  to  it,  without  the 
concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  its 
members. 

Art.  76.  If  Congress  can  not 
open  its  sessions  on  the  appoint- 
ed day,  or  is  unable  to  hold 
them  for  lack  of  the  quorum  re- 
quired by  the  preceding  article, 
the  members  present,  whatever 
their  number  may  be,  shall  have 
authority  to  compel  the  absentees, 
b}^  the  means  established  by  law, 
to  present  themselves,  and  as  soon 
as  the  required  number  is  com- 
plete the  session  shall  begin  or 
continue. 

Art.  77.  The  oath  of  office  of 
the  President  of  the  Congress  shall 
be  taken  before  that  body,  and  the 
oath  of  office  of  the  deputies  shall 
be  administered  by  said  President. 

Art.  78.  Congress  shall  hold  its 
meetings  in  the  capital  of  the  Re- 
public, and  a  two-thirds  vote  shall 
be  required  to  authorize  its  mov- 
ing to  another  place  or  to  suspend 
its  sessions  for  a  certain  time. 

Art.  79.  The  sessions  of  Con- 
gress shall  be  public,  except  in  case 
that  there  is  sufficient  reason  for 
discussing  a  matter  in  secret. 

Art.  80.  Congress  shall  make 
the  necessary  rules  for  the  trans- 
action of  its  business  and  for  its 
own  police. 

Sole  paragraph.  According  to 
the  said  rules,  Congress  shall  have 
the  power  to  punish  its  members 
for  violations  of  order. 

Art.  81.  Congress  shall  be  the 
judge  of  the  elections  of  its  own 
members,  and  shall  pass  upon  all 
claims  respecting  their  validity. 


342 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


Art.  82.  Las  vacantes  que  re- 
sulten  en  el  Congreso  se  llenaran 
con  los  respectivos  suplentes;  y  si 
el  numero  de  estos  no  alcanzare  a 
Ilenarlas,  se  nombraran  otros  nue- 
vos  para  aquel  periodo. 

Art.  83.  Los  Diputados  tienen 
este  caracter  por  la  Naeion,  y  no 
por  la  Provineia  que  los  ha  nom- 
brado. 

secci6n  cuarta. 

De  la  formacion  de  las  ley  ex. 

Art.  84.  Las  leyes  y  dermis 
actos  legislatives  pueden  tener 
origen  en  el  Congreso,  a  propuesta 
de  cualquiera  de  sus  miembros,  y 
en  el  Poder  Ejecutivo,  por  medio 
de  los  Secretarios  de  Estado. 

Art.  85.  Ningun  proyecto  de 
ley  se  aprobara  en  el  Congreso  sin 
haber  sufrido  previamente  tres 
debates,  y  cada  uno  en  distinto 
dia. 

Art.  86.  Ningun  proyecto  de 
ley,  aunque  este  aprobado  por  el 
Congreso,  tendra  f  uerza  de  le}T  sin 
la  sancion  del  Poder  Ejecutivo. 
Si  e^te  tuviere  a  bien  darsela,  lo 
hara  mandandolo  ejecutar  y  publi- 
car;  pero  si  se  la  rehusare,  lo  ob- 
jetara  y  devolvera  al  Congreso 
con  las  objeciones  que  le  haga. 

Art.  87.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo 
puede  objetar  cualquier  proyecto 
de  lej',  bien  sea  porque  lo  juzgue 
del  todo  inconveniente,  6  bien 
porque  crea  necesario  hacerle  va- 
riaciones  6  reformas,  y  en  este 
caso  las  propondra. 

Art.  88.  Reconsiderado  el  pro- 
yecto por  el  Congreso  con  las 
observaciones  del  Poder  Ejecutivo, 
si  el  Congreso  las  desechare  y  el 

Eroyecto  fuere  nuevamente  apro- 
ado  por  dos  terceras  partes  de 
votos,  quedara  sancionado  y  se 
mandara  ejecutar  como  ley  de  la 
Repiiblica.  Si  se  adoptaren  las 
moditicaciones,  se  devolvera  el 
pro}rectoal  Poder  Ejecutivo.  quien 
no  podra  ya  negarle  la  sancion. 


Art.  82.  Vacancies  occurring  in 
Congress  shall  be  filled  by  the 
respective  substitutes,  and  if  the 
number  of  the  latter  is  not  suffi- 
cient new  substitutes  shall  be  ap- 
pointed for  that  period. 

Art.  83.  The  deputies  represent 
the  Nation  and  not  the  Provinces 
which  appointed  them. 

section  fourth. 

Enactment  of  laws. 

Art.  84.  Bills  and  all  other  leg- 
islative measures  may  be  intro- 
duced in  Congress  by  any  of  its 
members,  or  by  the  executive 
power  through  the  secretaries  of 
state. 

Art.  85.  No  bill  shall  become  a 
law  without  having  been  debated 
three  times,  each  debate  to  take 
place  on  different  days. 

Art.  86.  No  bill  shall  become  a 
law  without  the  approval  of  the 
executive  power.  If  the  latter 
grants  said  approval,  it  shall  order 
the  bill  to  be  published  and  com- 
plied with;  but  if  the  approval  is 
refused,  the  executive  power  shall 
return  the  bill  to  Congress  with 
its  objections. 

Art.  87.  The  executive  power 
may  veto  an}r  bill,  either  in  whole 
or  in  part.  In  the  latter  case 
proper  amendments  shall  be  sug- 
gested. 


Art.  88.  If  Congress,  after  the 
proper  examination  of  the  bill  and 
of  trie  objections  made  thereto  by 
the  executive  power,  rejects  said 
objections  and  passes  the  bill  again 
by  a  two-thirds  vote,  the  measure 
shall  be  deemed  approved  and 
ordered  to  be  observed  as  a  law 
of  the  Republic.  If  the  amend- 
ments suggested  \>y  the  executive 
power  are  adopted,  the  bill  shall  be 
again  sent  to  the  executive  power, 


CONSTITUTION. 


343 


En  el  caso  de  ser  desechadas,  y  de 
no  reunirse  los  dos  tercios  de  votos 
para  resellarlo,  se  archivara  y  no 
podra  ser  considerado  sino  tiasta 
la  siguiente  legislatura  ordinaria. 


Art.  89.  Para  que  se  considere 
objetado  por  el  Poder  Ejecutivo 
un  proyecto  de  ley,  es  indispensa- 
ble que  sea  devuelto  a  la  Secretaria 
del  Congreso,  dentro  del  preciso 
termino  de  diez  dias  habiles.  Si 
asi  no  se  verificare,  se  tendra  por 
ley  de  la  Republica. 

Art.  90.  La  sancion  del  Poder 
Ejecutivo  es  necesaria  en  todas  las 
resoluciones  del  Poder  Legislative, 
excepto  las  siguientes: 

1.  Las  que  tengan  por  objeto 
las  elecciones  que  deba  hacer,  y  las 
renuncias  6  excusas  que  se  le  pre- 
senter 

2.  Los  acuerdos   del   Congreso 

f>ara  trasladar  su  residencia  a  otro 
ugar,  para  suspender  sus  sesiones 
6  para  prorrogar  las  ordinarias  por 
todo  el  tiempo  que  permita  esta 
Constitucion. 

3.  Los  decretos  que  se  emitan 
declarando  si  hay  6  no  lugar  a 
formacion  de  causa  contra  alguno 
de  los  individuos  de  los  Supremos 
Poderes,  a  virtud  de  acusacion  in- 
terpuesta. 

4.  El  reglamento  que  acordare 
el  Congreso  para  su  regimen  in- 
terior. 

Art.  91.  El  Congreso  iniciara 
todas  las  leyes  y  actos  legislatives 
con  esta  formula:  "El  Congreso 
Consti tucional  de  la  Republica  de 
Costa  Rica,  etc." 

Secci6n  Quinta. 

De  la  Comision  Permanente. 

Art.  92.  Durante  el  receso  del 
Poder  Legislativo,  habra  una  Co- 
mision Permanente  compuesta  de 


which  in  this  case  shall  not  have 
the  right  to  refuse  its  approval. 
If  the  amendments  are  rejected 
and  the  two-thirds  vote  necessary 
to  pass  the  bill  are  not  secured, 
the  measure  shall  be  kept  in  the 
archives  and  shall  not  be  taken  up 
for  consideration  until  the  next 
ordinary  session. 

Art.  89.  In  order  that  the  ob- 
jections of  the  executive  power 
against  any  bill  ma}^  be  efficient,  it 
shall  be  indispensable  for  the  said 
bill  to  be  returned  to  the  secretary 
of  the  Congress  within  ten  working 
days.  If  this  is  not  done  the  bill 
shall  become  a  law. 

Art.  90.  The  approval  of  the 
executive  power  is  necessary  for 
all  acts  of  the  legislative  power, 
except  the  following: 

1.  Resolutions  having  for  their 
object  elections  to  be  made  by  it 
and  the  resignations  which  may  be 
submitted  to  it. 

2.  Resolutions  for  the  purpose 
of  moving  the  residence  of  Con- 
gress to  some  other  place,  suspend- 
ing its  sessions,  or  adjourning  the 
same  for  the  time  permitted  by 
the  present  Constitution. 

3.  Resolutions  declaringwhethei 
or  not  a  member  of  the  supreme 
powers  is  to  be  prosecuted  on 
charges  made  against  him. 


4.  Rules  and  Regulations  made 
for  its  interior  government. 

Art.  91.  The  enacting  clause  of 
all  laws  and  legislative  acts  shall 
be:  "The  Constitutional  Congress 
of  the  Republic  of  Costa  Rica" 
etc. 

Section  Fifth. 

The  permanent  committee. 

Art.  92.  During  the  recess  of 
the  legislative  power  there  shall 
be  a  permanent  committee  con- 


344 


REPUBLIC    OF    0O8TA    RICA. 


cinco  individuos  de  su  propio  seno 
y  nombrados  por  el  Congreso  al 
terminar  sus  sesiones  ordinarias. 
Parrafo  unico.  La  Comision  de 
que  habla  este  articulo  nombrara 
de  entre  sus  individuos  un  Presi- 
dente  y  un  Secretario  el  dia  de  su 
instalacion ;  tendra  para  su  servicio 
a  los  empleados  de  la  Secretaria 
del  Congreso,  y  a  su  disposition 
los  archivos  del  mismo. 


Art.  93.  Son  atribuciones  de  la 
Comision  Permanente: 

1.  Interpreter  la  ley  en  loscasos 
en  que,  ocurriendo  alguna  duda 
sobre  ella,  sea  consultada  por  au- 
toridad  competente. 

2.  Preparar  los  negocios  que 
hubieren  quedado  pendientes  en  el 
Poder  Legislativo  al  entrar  en  re- 
ceso,  poniendolos  en  estado  de  que 
puedan  ser  resueltos  por  el  en  sus 
proximas  sesiones. 

3.  Suspender  el  orden  constitu- 
cional,  de  acuerdo  con  el  Poder 
Ejecutivo  y  a  solicitud  de  este,  en 
los  casos  y  bajo  las  mismas  reglas 
que  establece  el  inciso  7,  articulo 
73  de  esta  Constitution. 

4.  Emitir,  a  propuesta  del  Poder 
Ejecutivo,  decretos  urgentes;  de- 
biendo  someterlos  al  Congreso  en 
su  proxima  reunion,  para  que  los 
apruebe,  reforme  6  derogue. 

5.  Formar  parte  del  Consejo 
de  Gobierno,  cuando  el  Poder  Eje- 
cutivo lo  solicite,  para  tratar  de 
algiin  asunto  importante  6  de 
gravedad;  en  cuyo  caso  el  parecer 
de  la  Comision  es  puramente  de 
caracter  consul  tivo. 

6.  Formular  los  proyectos  de 
ley  que  juzgue  convenientes,  para 
someterlos  a  las  deliberaciones  del 
Congreso  en  sus  sesiones  inme- 
diatas. 

7.  Darse  el  reglamento  que 
convenga  para  su  regimen  inte- 
rior. 


sisting  of  five  deputies  appointed 
by  Congress  at  the  end  of  its  ordi- 
nary session. 

Sole  paragraph.  The  permanent 
committee  shall  select  out  of  its 
members  one  who  shall  be  chair- 
man, and  another  who  shall  be  sec- 
retary, this  election  to  be  made  at 
the  first  meeting.  It  shall  use  for 
its  work  the  clerical  force  in  the 
office  of  the  secretary  of  Congress, 
and  the  archives  of  Congress  shall 
also  be  at  its  disposal. 

Art.  93.  The  permanent  com- 
mittee shall  have  the  following 
powers: 

1.  To  interpret  the  law  in  case 
of  doubt  when  consulted  by  com- 
petent authority. 

2.  To  prepare  and  put  in  order 
the  business  which  remained  unfin- 
ished when  Congress  adjourned,  so 
as  to  facilitate  the  transaction 
thereof  in  the  next  session. 

3.  To  suspend  upon  suggestion 
and  advice  of  the  executive  power 
the  constitutional  order,  in  the  cases 
and  under  the  rules  provided  by 
clause  7,  article  73,  of  the  present 
Constitution. 

4.  To  issue  at  the  request  of  the 
executive  power  urgent  decrees, 
which  shall  be  submitted  to  Con- 
gress at  its  next  meeting,  in  order 
that  they  shall  be  approved, 
amended,  or  repealed. 

5.  To  form  part  of  the  council 
of  Government  when  so  desired 
by  the  executive  power,  for  the 
transaction  of  some  grave  and  im- 
portant matter.  In  this  case  the 
opinion  of  the  committee  is  purely 
advisory. 

6.  To  draw  up  any  bills  which 
may  be  deemed  advisable,  in  order 
that  they  may  be  submitted  to  the 
deliberation  of  Congress  at  its 
next  meeting. 

7.  To  make  proper  rules  for  its 
interior  government. 


CONSTITUTION. 


345 


TITULO  IX. 

DEL  PODER  EJECUTIVO. 
Secci6n  Primera. 


TITLE  IX. 

THE  EXECUTIVE  POWER. 

Section  First. 


Del  Presidente  de  la  Republica.  The  President  of  the  Republic. 


Art.  94.  Habra  en  Costa  Rica 
un  Presidente  que,  con  el  caracter 
de  Jefe  de  la  Nacion,  ejercera  el 
Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  95.  Para  ser  Presidente  de 
la  Republica  se  requiere: 

1.  Ser  costarricense  por  naci- 
miento. 

2.  Del  estado  seglar. 

3.  Haber  cumplido  la  edad  de 
treinta  anos. 

4.  Reunir  las  calidades  que  se 
exigen  para  ser  elector. 

No  podra  ser  electo  Presidente: 

1.  El  que  fuere  por  consangui- 
nidad  6  afinidad,  ascendiente,  des- 
cendiente,  6  hermano  del  Presi- 
dente de  la  Republica. 

2.  El  Designadoala  Presidencia 
que  la  ejerciere  al  hacerse  la  elec- 
cion,  6  que  la  hubiere  ejercido  en 
los  seis  meses  anteriores,  6  parte 
de  ellos. 

3.  El  que  fuere  por  consangui- 
nidad  6  afinidad,  ascendiente  6  her- 
mano del  Designado  que  se  hallare 
en  las  condiciones  especiticadas  en 
el  inciso  anterior. 

Art.  96.  La  eleccion  del  Presi- 
dente se  hara  el  primer  domingo 
de  Abril  del  ano  en  que  debe  venir 
la  renovacion  de  ese  funcionario. 

El  Presidente  no  podra  ser  re- 
electo  para  el  periodo  siguiente. 

El  periodo  presidencial  es  de 
cuatro  anos. 

Art.  97.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  tomara  posesion  de  su 
destino  el  dia  ocho  de  Mayo;  y 
terminado  el  periodo  constitu- 
tional, cesa  por  el  mismo  hecho  en 
el  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones. 

Art.  98.  Si  el  Presidente  electo 
no  pudiere  prestar  el  juramento 


Art.  94.  There  shall  be  in  Costa 
Rico  a  President  who,  with  the 
character  of  Chief  of  the  Nation, 
shall  exercise  the  executive  power. 

Art.  95.  To  be  President  of  the 
Republic  it  shall  be  required: 

1.  To  be  a  Costa  Rican  by  birth. 

2.  Not  to  belong  to  the  ecclesi- 
astical state. 

3.  To  be  over  thirty  years  of 
age. 

4.  To  have  the  qualifications  re- 
quired to  be  an  elector. 

The  following  shall  not  be 
elected  President: 

1.  Any  ancestor,  descendant,  or 
brother  by  consanguinity  or  affin- 
ity of  the  Presidentof  the  Republic. 

2.  The  designado  who  acts  as 
President  at  the  time  of  the  elec- 
tion, or  who  has  acted  as  such  dur- 
ing the  six  months  previous  or  a 
part  thereof. 

3.  Any  ancestor,  or  brother,  by 
consanguinity  or  affinity  of  the 
designado,  who  finds  himself  in 
the  circumstances  specified  in  the 
foregoing  clause. 

Art.  96.  The  election  of  Presi- 
dent shall  take  place  on  the  first 
Sunday  of  April  of  the  year  in 
which  the  said  functionary  should 
be  renewed. 

The  President  shall  not  be  re- 
elected for  the  following  term. 

The  presidential  term  is  four 
37ears. 

Art.  97.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  take  possession  of 
his  office  on  the  eighth  of  May, 
and  at  the  end  of  the  constitutional 
period  shall  cease  ipso  facto  in  the 
exercise  of  his  functions. 

Art.  98.  If  the  President-elect 
can  not  take  the  oath  of  office  be- 


346 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


constitucional  ante  el  Congreso  el 
dia  pretijado  en  el  articulo  anterior, 
6  durante  las  sesiones  ordinarias 
del  mismo,  lo  hara  ante  el  encar- 
gado  del  Poder  Ejecutivo,  con  la 
solemnidad  correspondiente. 

Art.  99.  Cuando,  por  muerte, 
renuncia  u  otra  causa,  vacare  la 
Presidencia  de  la  Republica,  los 
Designados,  por  el  orden  de  su 
nominacion,  entraran  a  ejercerla 
por  todo  el  tiempo  que  falte  para 
concluirse  el  periodo  presidencial. 

Art.  100.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  no  puede  salir  del  terri- 
torio  de  Costa  Rica  mientras  dure 
en  su  destino,  ni  dentro  de  un  afio 
despues  de  haber  dejado  el  mando, 
si  no  es  con  el  permiso  del  Congreso. 

secci6n  segunda. 

De  Jos  deberes  y  atribucionex  del 
Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  101.  Son  deberes  y  atribu- 
ciones  del  Poder  Ejecutivo: 

1.  Nombrar  y  remover  libre- 
mente  a  los  Secretarios  de  Estado, 
y  a  cualquiera  de  los  otros  emplea- 
dos  de  su  dependencia,  y  llamar 
para  ejercer  el  Poder  Ejecutivo, 
en  las  faltas  temporales,  al  Desig- 
nado  que  estime  conveniente.  A 
falta  de  llamamiento,  ejercera  el 
Poder  Ejecutivo  el  Designado  a 
quien  toque  por  orden  de  nomina- 
cion. 

2.  Mantener  el  orden  y  tran- 
quilidad  de  la  Republica,  y  repe- 
ler  todo  ataque  6  agresion  exterior. 

3.  En  los  recesos  del  Congreso 
puede  hacer  uso  de  la  facultad  con- 
cedida  al  Poder  Legislativo  en  el 
inciso  7,  articulo  73  de  esta  Cons- 
titution, de  acuerdo  con  la  Comi- 
sion  permanente,  en  los  mismos 
casos  y  con  la  misma  limitation 
que  alii  se  establece  respecto  del 
tiempo  que  puede  durar  la  suspen- 
sion. 


fore  Congress  on  the  day  specified 
in  the  foregoing  article  or  during 
the  ordinary  session,  the  said  oath 
.shall  be  administered  to  him  with 
the  proper  solemnity  b}r  the  f  unc- 
tionaiy  who  may  be  in  charge  of 
the  Executive  power. 

Art.  99.  When  the  Presidency 
of  the  Republic  should  become 
vacant  b}r  death,  resignation,  or 
other  cause,  the  designados,  in  the 
order  of  their  appointment,  shall 
take  possession  of  the  office  and 
replace  the  President  for  the  bal- 
ance of  the  presidential  term. 

Art.  100.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  not  leave  the  terri- 
tory of  Costa  Rica  during  his  term 
of  office,  or  one  year  thereafter, 
unless  with  the  permission  of  Con- 
gress. 

SECTION   SECOND. 

Duties  and  powers  of  the  Execu- 
tive. 

Art.  101.  The  following  are  the 
duties  and  powers  of  the  Executive : 

1.  To  freely  appoint  and  remove 
the  secretaries  of  state  and  all  other 
employees  of  the   Executive  de- 

Eartment,  and  to  call  the  designado 
e  may  deem  advisable  to  fill  his 
place  during  any  temporary  ab- 
sence. If  no  call  is  made  for  this 
purpose,  the  Executive  power  shall 
then  be  vested  in  the  designado 
to  whom  it  may  belong  in  the  order 
of  their  appointment. 

2.  To  preserve  order  and  peace 
in  the  Republic,  and  to  repel  any 
foreign  attack  or  aggression. 

3.  To  make  use  during  the  re- 
cesses of  Congress  of  the  power 
granted  to  the  legislative  body  in 
section  7,  article  73  of  the  present 
Constitution.  This  shall  be  done 
with  the  advice  of  the  permanent 
committee  in  the  same  cases  and 
with  the  same  limitations  as  are 
established  in  said  section  in  re- 
gard to  the  time  for  which  the  sus- 
pension shall  last. 


CONSTITUTION. 


347 


4.  Cumplir  y  ejecutar  y  hacer 
que  se  cumplan  y  ejecuten  por  sus 
agentes  y  por  los  empleados  que  le 
estan  subordinados  la  Constitution 
y  las  leyes  en  la  parte  que  les  co- 
rresponda. 

5.  Cuidar  de  que  los  demas  em- 
pleados  publieos  que  no  le  esten 
subordinados  las  cumplan  y  ejecu- 
ten, ocurriendo  al  efecto  a  sus  im- 
mediatos  superiores. 

6.  Disponer  de  la  f  uerza  armada 
de  mar  y  tierra  para  la  defensa  y 
seguridad  de  la  Republica,  para 
mantener  el  orden  y  tranquilidad 
de  ella  y  para  todos  los  demas  ob- 
jetos  que  exige  el  servicio  publico. 

7.  Disponer  de  la  Hacienda 
piiblica  con  arreglo  a  las  leyes. 

8.  Convocar  al  Congreso  para 
sus  reuniohes  ordinarias,  y  extraor- 
dinariamente  cuando  asi  lo  exija 
algun  grave  motivo  de  convenien- 
cia  piiblica,  cumpliendo  en  este 
ultimo  caso  con  lo  dispuesto  en  el 
final  del  articulo  70  de  esta  Consti- 
tution. 

9.  Dirigir  las  negociaciones  di- 
plomaticas,  celebrar  tratados  y 
convenios  publieos  con  los  Gobier- 
nos  de  las  otras  naciones  y  canjear- 
los,  previa  la  aprobacion  y  ratifi- 
cacion  del  Congreso. 

10.  Nombrar,  de  acuerdo  con  el 
Consejo  de  Gobierno,  los  Ministros 
Plenipotentiaries,  Enviados  Ex- 
traordinarios  y  Consules  de  la 
Republica. 

11.  Recibir  a  los  Ministros  diplo- 
matics y  admitir  a  los  Consules 
de  otras  naciones. 

12.  Ejercer  el  patronato  con 
arreglo  a  las  leyes,  hacer  las  pre- 
sentaciones  y  nombramientos  que 
estas  le  cometan  y  ejercer  los  de- 
mas actos  a  que  las  mismas  le  llamen 
en  los  asuntos  de  la  Iglesia. 

13.  Conceder  6  negar  el  pase  a 
los  decretos  conciliares,  bulas 
breves  y  rescriptos  pontificios  y 
cualesquier  otros  despachos  de  la 
autoridad  eclesiastica. 


4.  To  comply  with  and  execute 
the  Constitution  and  the  laws,  and 
cause  others,  through  its  agents 
and  subordinate  employees,  to  do 
likewise. 

5.  To  see  that  the  public  func- 
tionaries not  subordinated  to  it 
should  also  comply  with  and  exe- 
cute the  said  Constitution  and  laws, 
appljnng  for  that  purpose  to  their 
immediate  superior. 

6.  To  dispose  of  the  public  land 
and  sea  forces  for  the  defense  and 
security  of  the  Republic,  for  the 
preservation  of  order  and  peace, 
and  for  all  other  purposes  de- 
manded by  the  public  service. 

7.  To  dispose  of  the  public  funds 
according  to  law. 

8.  To  call  Congress  to  meet  in 
ordinary  session,  and  also  in  extra 
session  when  required  for  some 
grave  reason  of  public  utility.  In 
the  latter  case  the  provisions  of 
the  last  part  of  article  70  of  the 
present  Constitution  shall  be  com- 
plied with. 

9.  To  conduct  diplomatic  nego- 
tiations, to  conclude  treaties  and 
public  conventions  with  the  gov- 
ernments of  other  nations,  and  ex- 
change them  after  approved  and 
ratified  by  Congress. 

10.  To  appoint,  with  the  advice 
and  consent  of  the  council  of  gov- 
ernment, the  ministers  plenipo- 
tentiary, envoys,  and  consuls  of 
the  Republic. 

11.  To  receive  the  diplomatic 
ministers,  and  to  admit  the  consuls 
of  other  nations. 

12.  To  exercise,  according  to 
law,  the  right  of  patronage,  make 
the  presentations  and  nominations 
which  belong  to  it,  and  to  do  all 
other  things  in  church  matters 
which  the  law  permits. 

13.  To  grant  or  refuse  the  pas- 
sage of  decrees  of  councils,  bulls, 
briefs,  and  pontifical  rescripts,  or 
any  other  dispatches  of  the  eccle- 
siastical authority. 


348 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


14.  Declarar  la  guerra  6  otra 
potencia  6  nacion,  cuando  para  ello 
le  haya  autorizado  el  Poder  Legis- 
lative, y  hacer  la  paz  cuando  lo 
estirae  conveniente. 

15.  Librar  los  titulos  respec- 
tivos  a  los  individuos  k,  quienes  el 
Congreso  hubiere  investido  de  al- 
guno  de  los  grados  militares  que 
le  correspond^  conferir. 

16.  Conferir  grados  militares 
hast  a  el  de  Teniente  Coronel  in- 
clusive, y  proveer  cualesquier 
empleos  cuya  provision  no  reserve 
la  ley  a  otra  autoridad. 

17.  Conceder  retiro  a  los  Jefes 
y  Oficiales  del  Eje*rcito  y  admitir 
6  no  las  dimisiones  que  los  mismos 
hagan  de  sus  destinos. 

18.  Conceder  cartas  de  natu- 
raleza  con  arreglo  k  la  ley. 

19.  Indultar,  conmutar  y  rebajar 
las  penas  con  arreglo  a  las  leyes,  y 
de  la  propia  manera  rehabilitar  a 
los  delincuentes. 

20.  Conceder  amnistias  e  indul- 
tos  generales  6  particulares  por 
delitos  politicos. 

21.  Expedir  patentes  de  nave- 
gacion  y  de  corso;  estas  ultimas 
solo  en  tiempo  de  guerra  y  por  via 
de  represalias. 

22.  Dar  cuenta  por  escrito  al 
Congreso,  al  abrir  sus  sesiones,  del 
estado  politico  de  la  Republica,  y 
del  que  tienen  en  general  los  di- 
versosramos  de  la  Administracion, 
indicando  las  medidas  que  juzgue 
convenientes  para  su  mejora. 

23.  Habilitar  a  los  menores  de 
edad,  conforme  a  las  leyes,  para 
que  puedan  administrar  sus  bienes. 

24.  Rehabilitar,  conforme  a  la 
ley,  a  los  que  haj^an  perdido  la 
ciudadania  o  este"n  suspensos  del 
ejercicio  de  el  la. 

25.  Suplir  el  eonsentimiento 
para  contraer  matrimonio  a  los 
que  por  la  ley  lo  necesiten,  ex- 
cepto  el  de  padre  6  mad  re. 


14.  To  declare  war  against  any 
power  or  nation,  when  authorized 
to  do  so  by  the  legislative  power, 
and  to  make  peace  when  so  deemed 
ad\  isable. 

15.  To  issue  the  respective  com- 
missions to  the  persons  appointed 
by  Congress  for  the  military  posi- 
tions it  has  the  power  to  confer. 

16.  To  grant  military  posi- 
tions, up  to  and  including  that  of 
lieutenant-colonel,  and  make  all 
other  appointments  not  reserved 
by  law  to  any  other  authority. 

17.  To  place  officers  of  the  Army 
on  the  retired  list  and  accept  or 
refuse  to  accept  the  resignations 
they  may  tender. 

18.  To  grant  letters  of  naturali- 
zation according  to  law, 

19.  To  grant  pardons,  commu- 
tations, and  reductions  of  sentences 
according  to  law,  and  also  to  re- 
habilitate offenders. 

20.  To  grant  amnesties,  either 
general  or  special,  for  political  of- 
fenses. 

21.  To  issue  patents  of  naviga- 
tion and  letters  of  marque,  the  lat- 
ter only  in  time  of  war  and  bj- 
wa}7  of  reprisals. 

22.  To  report  in  writing  to  Con- 
gress at  the  beginning  of  its  ses- 
sions on  the  political  state  of  the 
Republic  and  the  condition  of 
business  in  the  several  branches 
of  the  administration,  recommend- 
ing such  measures  as  may  be 
deemed  advisable. 

23.  To  grant  authority,  accord- 
ing to  law,  to  persons  under  age, 
to  manage  their  property. 

24.  To  rehabilitate,  according 
to  law,  those  who  have  lost  their 
citizenship,  or  have  been  sus- 
pended from  the  exercise  thereof. 

25.  To  grant  the  Government's 
permission  to  contract  marriage, 
to  those  who  may  need  it  under 
the  law,  except  in  case  of  opposition 
thereto  by  the  father  or  mother. 


CONSTITUTION. 


349 


26.  Nombrar  los  Gobernadores 
de  las  Provincias  y  Coraarcas  como 
agentes  suyos. 

27.  Darse  el  reglamento  que 
convenga  para  el  regimen  interior 
de  sus  despachos,  y  expedir  los 
demas  reglamentos  y  ordenanzas 
necesarios  para  la  pronta  ejecucion 
de  las  leyes. 

secci6n  terceka. 

De  la  responsahilidad  del  que  ejerce 
el  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  102.  El  que  ejerce  el  Poder 
Ejecutivo  es  responsable  por  los 
abusos  que  cometa  en  su  conducta 
oficial: 

1.  Cuando  tengan  por  objeto 
favorecer  los  intereses  de  una 
nation  extrana,  contra  la  indepen- 
dencia,  integridad  y  libertad  de 
Costa  Rica. 

2.  Cuando  tiendan  a  impedir 
directa  6  indirectamente  las  elec- 
ciones  prevenidas  en  esta  Consti- 
tution, 6  coartar  la  libertad  elec- 
toral de  que  deben  gozar  los  que 
las  hacen. 

3.  Cuando  tengan  por  objeto 
impedir  que  el  Congreso  se  retina  6 
continue  sus  sesiones  en  las  epocas 
en  que  conforme  a  esta  Cons- 
titution debe  hacerlo,  6  coartar 
la  libertad  e  independencia  de  que 
el  debe  gozar  en  todos  sus  actos  6 
deliberaciones. 

4.  Cuando  se  niegue  a  mandar 
publicar  y  ejecutar  las  leyes  y  actos 
legislatives,  en  los  casos  en  que, 
segun  esta  Constitution,  no  puede 
rehusarlo. 

5.  Cuando  impida  que  los  Tri- 
bunals y  Juzgados  conozcan  de 
los  negocios  que  son  de  la  compe- 
tencia  del  Poder  Judicial,  6  les 
coarte  la  libertad  con  que  deben 
juzgar. 

6.  En  todos  los  demas  casos  en 
que,  por  un  acto  u  omision,  viole 
el  Ejecutivo  alguna  ley  expresa. 


26.  To  appoint  the  governors  of 
the  Provinces  and  comarcas  as  its 
agents. 

27.  To  make  proper  rules  for 
the  interior  government  of  its  re- 
spective departments,  and  issue  all 
orders  necessary  for  the  prompt 
execution  of  the  laws. 


SECTION   THIRD. 

Responsibilities  of  the  Executive. 

Art.  102.  The  functionary  in- 
trusted with  the  Executive  power 
shall  be  held  responsible  for  the 
abuses  he  may  commit  in  his  official 
conduct: 

1.  When  said  abuses  are  intended 
to  favor  the  interests  of  a  foreign 
nation  against  the  independence, 
liberty,  and  integrity  of  Costa 
Rica. 

2.  When  they  tend  to  interfere 
directly  or  indirectly  with  elections 
ordered  by  this%Constitution,  or  to 
restrict  the  freedom  which  shall 
be  enjoyed  b}^  the  electors. 

3.  When  they  tend  to  prevent 
Congress  from  assembling  or  hold- 
ing its  meetings  at  the  time  ap- 
pointed by  the  Constitution,  or 
restricting  the  liberty  and  inde- 
pendence which  Congress  should 
enjoy  in  all  its  acts  and  deliber- 
ations. 

4.  When  refusing  to  order  the 

Eublication  and  execution  of  the 
tws  and  legislative  acts,  in  the  cases 
in  which,  under  the  provisions  of 
this  Constitution,  he  is  bound  to 
give  that  order. 

5.  When  preventing  the  tribu- 
nals and  courts  from  taking  cogni- 
zance of  cases  falling  under  their 
jurisdiction,  or  when  restricting 
the  freedom  which  said  tribunals 
and  courts  should  enjoy. 

6.  In  all  other  cases  in  which  by 
commission  or  omission  the  Execu- 
tive violates  any  express  law. 


350 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


Art.  103.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  mientras  dure  en  su 
destino,  6  el  encargado  del  Poder 
Ejecutivo,  nopodra  ser  perseguido 
ni  juzgado  por  delitos  comunes, 
sino  despues  que,  a  virtud  de  acu- 
sacion  interpuesta,  haya  declarado 
el  Congreso  haber  lugar  a  forma- 
tion de  causa. 

secci6n  cuarta. 

De  los  Secretarios  de  Estado. 

Art.  104.  Para  el  despacho  de 
los  negocios  que  corresponden  al 
Poder  Ejecutivo,  habra  las  Secre- 
tarias  de  Estado  que  determine  la 
ley. 

Art.  105.  Cada  una  de  estas 
Secretarias  estara  a  cargo  de  un 
Secretario  de  Estado;  mas  el  Poder 
Ejecutivo  podra  encargar  dos  6 
mas  de  ellas  a  un  solo  Secretario. 

Art.  106.  Para  ser  Secretario 
de  Estado  se  requiere: 

1.  Ser  costarricense  por  naci- 
miento,  6  naturalizado;  pero  en 
este  ultimo  caso  debera  tener,  por 
lo  menos,  diez  anos  de  residencia 
en  el  pais,  y  ser  casado  6  viudo 
con  descendencia  legitima. 

2.  Ciudadano  en  ejercicio. 

3.  Del  estado  seglar. 

4.  Ser  mayor  de  veinticinco 
anos,  de  notoria  instruccion  y 
reunir  las  demas  calidades  que  se 
exigen  para  ser  elector. 

Art.  107.  Los  acuerdos,  resolu- 
ciones  y  ordenes  del  Presidente  de 
la  Republica  seran  firmados  por 
cada  Secretario  en  los  ramos  que 
le  esten  encomendados,  sin  cuyo 
requisito  no  seran  validos,  y  por 
consiguiente  no  produciran  efecto 
legal. 

Art.  108.  Son  nulos  y  de  ningiin 
valor  los  acuerdos,  resoluciones, 
ordenes  y  cualesquiera  otras  dis- 
posiciones  que  comuniquen  los  Se- 
cretarios de  Estado  sin  haber  sido 
antes  rubricados  por  el  Presidente 


Art.  103.  The  President  or  Act- 
ing President  of  the  Republic  shall 
not  during  their  term  of  office,  be 
prosecuted  or  tried  for  common 
offenses,  except  in  case  that  Con- 
gress after  proper  inquiry  has  or- 
dered criminal  proceedings  to  be 
instituted. 


SECTION    FOURTH. 

The  Secretaries  of  State. 

Art.  104.  For  the  transaction 
of  the  business  of  the  Executive 
there  shall  be  as  many  departments 
of  state  as  the  law  may  determine. 

Art.  105.  At  the  head  of  each 
department  there  shall  be  a  secre- 
tary of  state;  but  the  Executive 
power  may  intrust  two  or  more 
departments  to  one  secretary. 

Art.  106.  To  be  a  secretary  of 
state  the  following  qualifications 
shall  be  required: 

1.  To  be  a  Costa  Rican  by  birth 
or  naturalization,  but  in  the  latter 
case  to  have  resided  in  the  country 
for  at  least  ten  years  and  be  mar- 
ried or  a  widower,  with  legitimate 
issue. 

2.  To  be  a  citizen  in  the  exer- 
cise of  his  rights  as  such. 

3.  Not  to  belong  to  the  ecclesi- 
astical state. 

4.  To  be  over  twenty-five  years 
of  age,  known  for  his  learning,  and 
possessing  all  the  qualifications 
required  to  be  an  elector. 

Art.  107.  The  decrees,  deci- 
sions, and  orders  of  the  President 
of  the  Republic  shall  be  signed  by 
the  respective  secretary  of  state, 
and  without  this  requisite  they 
shall  not  be  valid  or  productive  of 
legal  effect. 

Art.  108.  The  decrees,  deci- 
sions, orders,  or  other  executive 
acts,  issued  by  the  secretaries  of 
state  without  having  been  first 
signed  by  the  President  of  the 
Republic  in  the  book  kept  for  that 


CONSTITUTION. 


351 


de  la  Republica  en  el  libro  corres- 
pondiente;  y  aquellos  funciona- 
rios  seran  responsables  de  sus  re- 
sultados,  incurriendo  ademas  en  el 
delito  de  suplantacion,  por  el  cual 
qnedan  sujetos  a  las  penas  que 
establezcan  las  leyes. 

Art.  109.  Los  Secretaries  de 
Estado  presentaran  al  Congreso 
eada  ano,  dentro  de  los  primeros 
quince  dias  de  sesiones  ordinarias, 
una  memoria  sobre  el  estado  de  sus 
respectivos  ramos;  y  en  cualquier 
tiempo  los  proyectos  de  ley  que 
juzguen  convenientes  y  los  infor- 
mes  que  se  les  pidan.  El  Seere- 
tario  de  Hacienda  acompanara,  a 
su  memoria  la  cuenta  de  gastos  del 
ano  anterior  y  el  presupuesto  de 
los  del  siguiente. 


Art.  110.  Los  Secretarios  de 
Estado  pueden  concurrir  a  los  de- 
bates del  Congreso  y  tomar  parte 
en  ellos,  sin  voto. 

secci6n  quinta. 

Del  Consejo  de  Gobierno. 

Art.  111.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  tendra  un  Consejo  de 
Gobierno  compuesto  de  los  Secre- 
tarios de  Estado,  para  discutir  y 
deliberar  sobre  los  negocios  que  el 
mismo  Presidente  le  someta. 

Art.  112.  Cuando  la  gravedad 
de  algfin  asunto  lo  exigiere,  podra, 
aumentarse  el  Consejo  de  Gobierno 
con  los  miembros  de  la  Comision 
Permanente  y  con  los  demas  in- 
dividuos  que  el  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  tenga  a  bien  invitar. 

tittjlo  x. 

secci6n  primera. 

Del  Poder  Judicial. 

Art.  113.  El  Poder  Judicial  de 
la  Republica  se  ejerce  por  la  Corte 


purpose,  shall  be  null  and  void; 
and  the  secretaries  shall  be  held 
responsible  for  the  results  of  their 
action,  besides  becoming  guiltj7  of 
a  criminal  offense  and  incurring 
the  penalty  established  by  law. 

Art.  109.  The  secretaries  of 
state  shall  submit  to  Congress 
every  year,  within  the  first  fifteen 
days  of  its  ordinary  sessions,  a  re- 
port on  the  condition  of  business 
in  their  respective  departments. 
They  shall  be  free  to  introduce  at 
any  time  the  bills  which,  in  their 
opinion,  are  neeessary,  and  they 
shall  furnish,  also  at  any  time,  the 
information  which  may  be  asked 
from  them.  The  secretary  of  the 
treasury  shall  append  to  his  report 
the  account  of  the  expenses  of  the 
preceding  year  and  the  budget  for 
the  following. 

Art.  110.  The  secretaries  of 
state  may  attend  the  meetings  of 
"Congress  and  take  part  in  the  de- 
bates, but  they  shall  have  no  vote. 

SECTION    FIFTH. 

The  council  of  government. 

Art.  111.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  have  a  Council  of 
government,  consisting  of  the  sec- 
retaries of  state,  to  which  he  shall 
submit  for  discussion  the  matters 
upon  which  he  may  desire  to  have 
their  advice. 

Art.  112.  When  required  by 
the  gravity  of  the  case,  the  per- 
sonnel of  this  council  may  be  in- 
creased by  adding  to  its  members 
those  of  the  permanent  committee 
and  any  other  citizens  whom  the 
President  of  the  Republic  may  be 
pleased  to  invite. 

TITLE  X. 
SECTION    FIRST. 

The  judicial  power. 

Art.  113.  The  judicial  power  of 
the  Republic  is  vested  in  the  su- 


352 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


Suprema  de  Justieia  3'  por  los 
dermis  Tribunales  y  Juzgados  que 
la  ley  establezca. 

Art.  114.  Ningiin  poder  6  auto- 
ridad  puede  avocarse,  si  no  es  ad 
effectniit  videndi,  y  en  los  casos  de 
ley,  causas  pendientes  ante  otro 
poder  6  autoridad,  ni  abrir  pro- 
cesos  fenecidos. 

Art.  115.  A  los  funcionarios 
que  administren  justieia  no  podra 
suspenderseles  de  sus  destinos  sin 
que  preceda  declaratoria  de  haber 
lugar  $i  formacion  de  causa;  ni 
deponerseles  sino  en  virtud  de  sen- 
tencia  ejecutoriada. 

Art.  116.  Todos  los  Tribunales 
y  Juzgados  en  el  ramo  de  Justieia 
que  la  le}T  establezca,  bajo  cual- 
quiera  denomination,  dependen  de 
la  Corte  Suprema. 

Art.  117.  Corresponde  al  Su- 
premo Tribunal  hacer  el  nombra- 
miento  de  sus  respectivos  Secreta- 
ries, Jueces  de  primera  instancia 
y  demas  f  uncionarios  que  designe 
la  ley;  conocer  de  las  renuncias 
de  estos  y  concederles  licencias 
cuando  las  soliciten. 

Art.  118.  La  ley  demarcara  la 
jurisdiction,  el  numero  y  la  dura- 
tion de  los  Tribunales  y  Juzgados 
establecidos  6  que  deban  estable- 
cerse  en  la  Republica,  sus  atribu- 
ciones,  los  principios  a  que  deban 
arreglarse  sus  actos  }r  la  manera 
de  exigirles  la  responsabilidad. 


secci6n  SEGUNDA. 

De  la  organization  de  la  Corte  Su- 
jrrema  de  Justieia. 

Art.  119.  La  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justieia  se  compondra  de  una  Corte 
de  Casacion,  con  cinco  miembros, 
y  de  dos  Salas  de  Apelaciones,  con 
tres  miembros  cada  una.  Las  atri- 
buciones  de  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justieia,  de  la  de  Casacion  y  de  las 
Salas  de  Apelaciones  seran  deter- 
minadas  por  la  ley. 


preme  court  of  justice  and  in  the 
other  tribunals  and  courts  estab- 
lished by  law. 

Art.  114.  No  power  or  authority 
can  assume  jurisdiction  unless  it  is 
ad  effectum  videndi,  and  in  the 
cases  specified  by  law,  of  any  cause 
pending  before  another  power  or 
authority,  or  reopen  terminated 
cases. 

Art.  115.  Judicial  functionaries 
shall  not  be  suspended  unless  a 
declaration  that  they  should  be 
prosecuted,  is  previously  made; 
nor  shall  they  be  removed  unless 
by  virtue  of  a  final  judicial  deci- 
sion. 

Art.  116.  All  judicial  tribunals 
and  courts  established  by  law, 
whatever  their  name  may  be,  shall 
depend  upon  the  supreme  court. 

Art.  117.  The  supreme  court 
shall  appoint  its  own  respective 
secretaries,  the  judges  of  first  in- 
stance, and  all  other  judicial  func- 
tionaries provided  by  law.  It 
shall  take  cognizance  of  the  res- 
ignations of  these  functionaries, 
and  shall  grant  or  refuse  leaves  of 
absence  when  requested. 

Art.  118.  The  law  shall  fix  the 
jurisdiction,  number,  and  dura- 
tion of  the  tribunals  and  courts 
established,  or  to  be  established, 
in  the  Republic,  the  powers  there- 
of, the  principles  which  shall  gov- 
ern their  acts,  and  the  manner  of 
enforcing  the  responsibility  in- 
curred by  them. 

SECTION   SECOND. 

Organization  of  the  supreme  court 
of  justice. 

Art.  119.  The  supreme  court  of 
justice  shall  consist  of  a  court  of 
last  resort  with  five  members,  and 
two  courts  of  appeals  with  three 
members  each.  The  powers  of  the 
supreme  court  of  justice,  of  the 
court  of  last  resort  and  of  the 
courts  of  appeals  shall  be  deter- 
mined by  law. 


CONSTITUTION. 


353 


El  Congreso  designara  los  Ma- 

gistrados  que  deban  formar  la 
orte  de  Casacion  y  cada  Sala  de 
Apelaciones,  asi  como  cual  de  ellos 
sera  su  respectivo  Presidente.  El 
de  la  Corte  de  Casacion  lo  sera  del 
Tribunal  Supremo. 

Art.  120.  Para  ser  Magistrado 
se  requiere: 

1.  Ser  costarricense  por  naci- 
miento  6  naturalizado  con  residen- 
cia  de  cuatro  aiios  despues  de 
obtenida  la  carta  de  naturaleza. 

2.  Ser  ciudadano  en  ejercicio. 

3.  Pertenecer  al  estado  seglar. 

4.  Ser  mayor  de  treinta  anos. 

5.  Ser  abogado  de  la  Repiiblica 
y  haber  ejercido  la  profesion  por 
cinco  anos. 

6.  Tener  un  capital  propio  de 
tres  mil  pesos  6  rendir  fianza 
equivalente. 

Art.  121.  No  podra  recaer  el 
nombramiento  de  Magistrados  en 
personas  que  esten  ligadas  con 
parentesco  de  consanguinidad  6 
afinidad  hasta  el  segundo  grado 
inclusive. 

Art.  122.  El  periodo  de  la  Corte 
Suprema  sera  de  cuatro  anos, 
pudiendo  sus  individuos  ser  reelec- 
tos  indefinidamente. 

Art.  123.  Es  incompatible  la 
calidad  de  Magistrado  con  la  de 
empleado  de  los  otros  Supremos 
Poueres. 

Art.  124.  Para  llenar  las  faltas 
de  los  Magistrados  se  sortearan 
Conjueces  entre  las  personas  que 
reiinan  las  mismas  calidades  re- 
queridas  para  ser  Magistrado,  que 
no  sean  subalternos  de  la  Corte  ni 
empleados  de  los  otros  Supremos 
Poderes,  y  que  no  residan  a  mas 
de  veinticinco  kilometros  de  la 
Capital. 

Art.  125.  El  Congreso,  al  ele- 
gir  a  los  Magistrados  de  la  Corte 

360a— vol  1—06 23 


Congress  shall  designate  the 
justices  who  shall  form  the  court 
of  last  resort  and  the  courts  of 
appeal.  It  shall  also  designate  one 
of  them  to  be  the  chief  justice. 
The  chief  justice  of  the  court  of 
last  resort  shall  be  also  chief  jus- 
tice of  the  supreme  court. 

Art.  120.  The  following  qualifi- 
cations are  required  to  be  a  jus- 
tice: 

1.  To  be  a  Costa  Rican  by  birth, 
or  by  naturalization  if  accompan- 
ied with  residence  in  the  country 
for  four  subsequent  years. 

2.  To  be  a  citizen,  in  exercise  of 
the  rights  of  citizenship. 

3.  Not  to  belong  to  the  eccle- 
siastical state. 

4.  To  be  over  thirty  years  of  age. 

5.  To  be  a  lawyer  with  five  j^ears 
practice  in  the  Republic. 

6.  To  own  a  capital  of  $3,000, 
or  give  bond  for  the  same  amount. 

Art.  121.  Persons  connected 
with  each  other  by  blood  relation- 
ship or  affinity,  up  to  the  second 
degree  inclusive,  snail  not  be  ap- 
pointed justices. 

Art.  122.  The  period  of  service 
in  the  supreme  court  shall  be  four 
years,  and  the  justices  thereof  are 
reeligible,  indefinitely. 

Art.  123.  The  position  of  jus- 
tice is  incompatible  with  any  em- 
ployment under  the  other  supreme 
powers. 

Art.  124.  During  the  absence 
of  the  justices  their  places  shall 
be  filled  by  assistant  justices, 
chosen  by  lot  from  among  indi- 
viduals having  the  same  qualifica- 
tions as  are  required  to  be  a  justice, 
who  are  not  subaltern  officers  of 
the  court,  or  employees  of  the 
other  supreme  powers,  and  reside 
within  twenty-five  kilometers  of 
the  capital. 

Art.  125.  Congress,  when  elect- 
ing the  justices  of  the  supreme 


354 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


Suprema,  nombrara  adenias  seis 
Conjueces  que  reunan  las  cali- 
dades  de  los  propietarios,  excepto 
la  de  abogado,  quienes  seran 
llamados  a  suplir  las  faltas  de  los 
Conjueces  natos. 

TfTULO  XI. 

DEL  REGIMEN  MUNICIPAL. 

Art.  126.  El  territorio  de  la 
Republica  continuant  dividido  en 
Provincias  para  los  efectos  de  la 
administracion  general  de  los  ne- 
gocios  nacionales,  las  Provincias 
en  cantones  y  estos  en  distritos. 
Esta  division  puede  variarse  para 
los  efectos  fiscales,  politicos  y  ju- 
diciales,  por  las  leyes  generates  de 
la  Republica;  y  para  los  efectos  de 
la  administracion  municipal,  por 
las  Ordenanzas  Municipales. 

Art.  127.  Habra  en  la  cabecera 
de  cada  canton  una  Municipalidad 
con  las  atribuciones  que  ledesigne 
la  ley. 

Art.  128.  Habra  en  cada  Pro- 
vincia  un  Gobernador,  agente  del 
Poder  Ejecutivo  y  de  nombra- 
miento  de  e\ste,  con  las  calidades 
y  atribuciones  que  la  ley  le  senale. 

Trruxo  xn. 

SECCl6N    PRiMERA. 

De  la  observancia  de  la   Constitu- 
tion, juramento  y  reformat. 


Art.  129.  El  Congreso,  en  sus 
primeras  sesiones  ordinarias,  ob- 
servara  si  la  Constitucion  ha  sido 
infringida  y  si  se  ha  hecho  efec- 
tiva  la  responsabilidad  de  los  in- 
fractores,  para  proveer  en  conse- 
cuencia  lo  conveniente. 


secci6n  segunda. 

Del  juramento  constitutional. 

Art.  130.  El  juramento  que  de- 
ben  prestar  los  funcionarios  pu- 


court,  shall  also  appoint  six  assist- 
ant justices  whose  qualifications 
shall  be  the  same  as  required  to 
be  a  justice,  except  being  a  lawyer. 
These  assistant  justices  shall  be 
called  to  act  whenever  necessary. 

TITLE  XI. 

MUNICIPAL  REGIME. 

Art.  126.  The  territory  of  the 
Republic  shall  continue  to  be  di- 
vided for  the  purposes  of  the  gen- 
eral administration  of  the  National 
Government  into  provinces,  can- 
tons, and  districts.  This  division 
may  be  changed  for  fiscal,  politi- 
cal, or  judicial  purposes,  by  the 
general  laws  of  the  Republic,  and 
for  the  purposes  of  municipal  ad- 
ministration by  the  municipal  ordi- 
nances. 

Art.  127.  There  shall  be  in  the 
chief  town  of  each  canton  a  mu- 
nicipal council  with  the  powers  and 
duties  established  by  law. 

Art.  128.  There  shall  be  in  each 
province  a  governor,  agent  of  the 
executive  power  appointed  hy  the 
latter,  who  shall  have  the  qualifi- 
cations and  powers  established  by 
law 

TITL.K  XII. 
SECTION  FIRST. 

Observance  of  the  Constitution,  con- 
stitutional oath,  and  amendments 
to  the  Constitution. 

Art.  129.  Congress  shall  at  its 
first  meetings  in  ordinary  session 
inquire  into  any  violation  of  the 
Constitution  which  may  have  been 
committed,  and  see  whether  or 
not  the  responsibility  therefor  has 
been  duly  exacted.  Upon  the  re- 
sult of  this  inquiry  it  shall  take  the 
measures  which  may  be  proper. 

SECTION   SECOND. 

The  constitutional  oath. 

Art.  130.  The  oath  to  be  ad- 
ministered    to    public    function- 


CONSTITUTION. 


355 


blicos,  segun  lo  dispuesto  en  el  ar- 
ticulo  21,secci6n  primera,  titulo  III 
de  esta  Constitucion,  sera  bajo  la 
formula siguiente:  "$  Jurais  aDios 
y  prometeis  a  la  Patria  observar  y 
defender  la  Constitucion  y  las  leyes 
de  la  Repiiblica  y  cumplir  fiel- 
mente  los  deberes  de  vuestro  des- 
tinoP  "Si,  juro."  "Si  asi  lo 
hieiereis,  Dios  os  ayude,  y  si  no, 
El  y  la  Patria  os  lo  demanden." 

secci6n  tercera. 


aries,  as  provided  in  article  21, 
section  first,  title  III,  of  the  pres- 
ent Constitution  shall  be  as  fol- 
lows: "Do  you  swear  before  God 
and  promise  to  the  countr}r  to  com- 
ply with  and  defend  the  Constitu- 
tion and  the  laws  of  the  Republic 
and  faithfully  fulfill  the  duties  of 
your  office?"  "I  do."  "If  you 
do  so,  may  God  help  you.  If  not, 
He  and  your  country  may  hold  you 
responsible." 

SECTION    THIRD. 


Delas  reformas  dela  Constitucion.      Amendments  to  the  Constitution. 


Art.  131.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
podra  reformar  parcialmente  esta 
Constitucion,  con  absoluto  arreglo 
a  las  disposiciones  siguientes: 

1.  La  proposicion  en  que  se  pida 
la  reforma  de  uno  6  mas  articulos, 
debera  presentarse  al  Congreso  en 
sesiones  ordinarias,  y  ser  firmada 
al  menos  por  diez  Diputados. 

2.  Esta  proposicion  sera  leida 
por  tres  veces  con  intervalo  de  seis 
dias,  para  resolver  si  se  admite  6 
no  a  discusion. 

3.  En  caso  afirmativo,  pasara 
a  una  Comision  nombrada  por  ma- 
yoria  absoluta  del  Congreso,  para 
que  en  el  termino  de  ocho  dias  pre- 
sente  su  dictamen. 

4.  Presentado  este,  se  procedera 
a  la  discusion  por  los  mismos  tra- 
mites  establecidos  para  la  forma- 
eion  de  las  leyes;  dicha  reforma  no 
podra  acordarse  sin  la  concurrencia 
de  dos  tercios  de  votos  del  Con- 
greso. 


5.  Acordado  que  debe  hacerse 
la  reforma,  el  Congreso  formara 
el  correspondiente  proyecto,  por 
medio  de  una  Comision,  bastando 
en  este  caso,  para  su  aprobacion, 
la  mayoria  absoluta. 

6.  El  mencionado  proyecto  se 
pasara  al  Poder  Ejecutivo,  quien, 


Art.  131.  The  legislative  power 
may  partially  amend  this  Consti- 
tution, with  absolute  subjection  to 
the  following  provisions: 

1.  The  proposition  to  amend  one 
or  more  articles  of  the  Constitu- 
tion shall  be  submitted  to  Congress 
during  an  ordinary  session,  and 
shall  be  signed  at  least  b}T  ten 
deputies. 

2.  The  proposition  shall  be  read 
three  times,  with  an  interval  of  six 
days,  and  Congress  shall  then  de- 
cide whether  or  not  it  shall  be 
admitted  for  discussion. 

3.  If  admitted,  it  shall  be  re- 
ferred to  a  special  committee  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose  by  Con- 
gress, by  absolute  majority  of 
votes,  said  committee  to  report 
within  eight  days. 

4.  Upon  the  submission  of  this 
report,  the  constitutional  amend- 
ment shall  be  discussed  in  the  same 
manner  and  under  the  same  rules 
as  are  established  for  the  enact- 
ment of  laws.  But  the  amend- 
ment shall  not  be  accepted  without 
the  concurrence  of  the  votes  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  of  Congress. 

5.  If  the  amendment  is  accepted, 
Congress  shall  cause  it  to  be  en- 
grossed in  due  form  by  a  commit- 
tee, whose  work  shall  require  only 
an  absolute  majority  of  votes  to  be 
approved. 

6.  The  amendment  as  engrossed 
shall  be  transmitted  to  the  Exec- 


356 


REPUBLIC    OF    COSTA    RICA. 


despue's  de  haber  oido  al  Consejo 
de  Gobierno,  lo  presentara  con  su 
Mensaje  al  Congreso  en  su  pro- 
xiraa  reunion  ordinaria. 

7.  El  Congreso,  en  sus  prime- 
ras  sesiones  discutira  el  proyecto, 
y  lo  que  resolviere  por  dos  tercios 
de  votos,  f  ormara  parte  de  la  Cons- 
titucion, comunicandose  al  Poder 
Ejecutivo  para  su  publication  y 
observancia. 

Art.  132.  La  reforma  general 
de  esta  Constitucion,  una  vez 
acordado  el  proyecto  por  los  tra- 
mites  de  que  habla  el  articulo 
anterior,  no  podra,  hacerse  sino 
por  una  Asamblea  Constituyente 
convocada  al  efecto. 


utive  power,  referred  by  it  to  the 
council  of  government,  and  re- 
turned to  Congress,  with  the  pres- 
ident's message,  in  the  next  ordi- 
nary session. 

7.  Congress  at  its  first  meetings 
shall  discuss  the  amendment,  and 
whatever  it  may  resolve  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote  shall  become  a  part  of 
the  Constitution.  The  decision 
reached  shall  be  communicated  to 
the  Executive  power  for  publica- 
tion and  enforcement. 

Art.  132.  No  general  amend- 
ment to  the  Constitution  shall  be 
made  except  by  a  constitutional 
convention  assembled  for  that  pur- 
pose, to  which  the  draft  as  agreed 
upon  by  Congress  in  the  manner 
and  form  established  by  the  pre- 
ceding article,  shall  be  submitted. 


AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  CONSTITUTION. 


(Promulgated  July  6,  1888. ) 


ARTtcuLO  1.  Los  articulos  1, 
2  y  15  de  la  Constitucion  no  impi- 
den  que  se  celebren  tratados  de 
union  politica  de  Costa  Rica  con 
alguna  6  las  demas  Republicas  de 
Centro  America. 

Art.  2.  Los  tratados  sobre 
union  que  se  celebren,  y  que 
afecten  la  soberania  6  indepen- 
dencia  de  la  Repiiblica,  deberan  ser 
sometidos  al  Congreso  en  sus  pro- 
ximas  sesiones  ordinarias  para  que 
resuelva  si  son  convenientes  6  no. 
Si  el  Congreso  aceptare  los  tratados 
por  dos  tercios  de  votos  presentes 
por  lo  menos,  convocara  a  una 
Asamblea  National  Constituyente, 
la  cual  se  ocupara  unicamente  en 
conocer  del  tratado.  Si  este  f  uere 
aprobado  por  la  Asamblea  Na- 
cional Constituyente,  por  dos 
tercios  de  votos  presentes.  quedara 
definitivamente  sancionado  y  sera 
considerado  como  ley  de  la  Repu- 


Article  1.  Articles  1,  2,  and 
15  of  the  Constitution  shall  not 
prevent  treaties  of  political  union 
between  Costa  Rica  and  any  or  all 
the  other  Republics  of  Central 
America  from  being  concluded. 

Art.  2.  The  treaties  of  union 
which  may  be  concluded,  and  may 
affect  the  sovereignty  and  inde- 
pendence of  the  Republic,  shall  be 
submitted  to  Congress  at  its  next 
ordinary  session,  in  order  that  it 
may  decide  whether  or  not  they 
are  acceptable.  If  Congress  by  a 
majority  of  two-thirds  of  the 
members  present  decides  that  they 
are  acceptable,  it  shall  issue  a  call 
for  a  national  constitutional  con- 
vention, having  for  its  object,  ex- 
clusively, the  discussion  of  the 
treaty.  If  approved  by  a  majority 
of  two-thirds  of  the  members  of 
the  convention  present,  the  treaty 
shall  be  considered  as  finally  sane- 


AMENDMENTS    TO    THE    CONSTITUTION. 


357 


blica,  comunicandose  al  Ejecutivo 
para  su  publication. 


La  convocatoria  de  la  Asamblea 
Nacional  Constituyente  se  hara  en 
la  forma  determinada  en  las  sec- 
ciones  primera  y  segunda  titulo 
VI  de  la  Constitucion.  Sin  la  ob- 
servancia  de  las  formalidades  pres- 
critas  en  este  articulo,  el  tratado 
sera  absolutamente  nulo. 

Art.  3.  El  natural  de  cual- 
quiera  de  las  Republicas  de  Gua- 
temala, Honduras,  el  Salvador  y 
Nicaragua  sera  tenido  como  de 
origen  costarricense  si  se  reiinen 
las  dos  condiciones  siguientes: 

1.  Si  expresamente,  por  decla- 
racion  escrita,  ante  la  autoridad 
politica  del  lugar  de  su  residencia, 
6  tacitamente  por  la  aceptacion  de 
un. cargo  publico,  manifiesta  la  in- 
tencion  de  hacerse  costarricense. 


2.  Si  la  nacion  a  que  el  perte- 
nence  concede  a  los  costarricenses 
las  mismas  f  acilidades  para  la  natu- 
ralizacion. 


tioned  and  made  a  law  of  the  Re- 
public. It  shall  then  be  trans- 
mitted to  the  Exective  for  publi- 
cation. 

The  call  for  the  national  consti- 
tutional convention  shall  be  made 
in  the  manner  provided  by  sections 
first  and  second  of  title  VI  of  this 
Constitution.  If  the  formalities 
provided  for  by  the  present  article 
are  not  observed,  the  treaty  shall 
be  null. 

Art.  3.  Natives  of  Guatemala, 
Honduras,  El  Salvador,  and  Nica- 
ragua shall  be  considered  native 
Costa  Ricans,  on  the  two  following 
conditions: 

1.  That  they  declare  their  in- 
tention to  become  Costa  Ricans, 
either  expressly  by  a  declaration 
in  writing  before  the  political 
authority  of  their  place  of  resi- 
dence, or  in  an  implied  manner  by 
accepting  a  public  office  in  Costa 
Rica. 

2.  And  that  the  nation  to  which 
they  belong  grants  Costa  Ricans 
the  same  facilities  for  naturaliza- 
tion. 


REPUBLIC  OF  HONDURAS. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES. 

Honduras,  one  of  the  first  States  which  seceded  from  the  Central 
American  Confederation,  made  afterwards  an  effort,  together  with 
Nicaragua  and  Salvador,  to  reestablish  the  Union.  But  the  effort  was 
unsuccessful. 

The  first  constitution  of  Honduras  as  an  independent  Republic  was 
promulgated  in  1848.  Since  that  date  four  other  constitutions  have 
been  put  in  force  in  that  country:  one  in  1865,  another  in  1880,  a  third 
one  in  1894,  and  the  fourth,  which  is  the  one  now  in  existence,  in  1904. 

359 


CONSTITUTION. 

(Promulgated  September  2,  1904.) 


La  Asamblea  Nacional  Consti- 
tuyente  decreta  la  siguiente  Cons- 
titucion  politica  de  la  Republica 
de  Honduras: 

tItulo  i. 

ArtIculo  1.  Honduras  es  un 
Estado  disgregado  de  la  Federacion 
de  Centro  America.  En  conse- 
cuencia,reconocecomosu  principal 
deber  y  su  mas  ingente  necesidad 
volver  a  la  Union  con  los  demas 
Estados  de  la  Republica  disuelta. 
Para  alcanzar  este  capital  objeto 
no  obsta  la  presente  Constitucion, 
que  puede  ser  reformada  6  abolida 
por  el  Congreso  para  ratificar  los 
pactos,  tratados  y  convenciones 
que  tiendan  a,  dar  6  tengan  por 
resultado  la  reconstruction  nacio- 
nal de  Centro  America. 


Art.  2.  Honduras  es  nacion 
libre,  soberana  e"  independiente. 

Art.  3.  La  soberania  reside 
esencialmente  en  la  Nacion,  y  el 
ejercicio  de  ella  en  sus  represen- 
tantes. 

Art.  4.  Todo  poder  publico 
emana  del  pueblo.  Los  funcio- 
narios  del  Estado  son  sus  delega- 
dos,  y  no  tienen  mas  facultades 
que  las  que  expresamente  les  da  la 
le}7.  Por  ella  legislan,  adminis- 
tran  y  juzgan,  y  conforme  a  ella 
deben  dar  cuenta  de  sus  f  unciones. 


Art.  5.  Los  limites  de  Hon- 
duras y  su  division  territorial 
seran  determinados  por  la  ley. 

360 


The  National  Constitutional  As- 
sembly does  hereby  decree  the  fol- 
lowingpolitical  Constitution  of  the 
Republic  of  Honduras: 

TITLE  I. 

Article  1.  Honduras  is  a  State 
disgregated  from  the  Central 
American  Confederation.  In  con- 
sequence thereof  it  recognizes  as 
its  principal  duty  and  its  most 
pressing  necessity  to  return  to  the 
union  with  the  other  States  of  the 
dissolved  Republic.  To  attain  this 
capital  object  the  present  Consti- 
tution shall  not  be  an  obstacle,  as 
it  may  be  amended  or  abolished 
by  Congress  in  order  to  facilitate 
the  ratification  of  any  compacts, 
treaties,  or  conventions  tending  to 
obtain  or  having  for  their  result 
the  national  reconstruction  of  Cen- 
tral America. 

Art.  2.  Honduras  is  a  free,  sov- 
ereign, and  independent  Nation. 

Art.  3.  The  sovereignty  is  es- 
sentially vested  in  the  Nation,  and 
the  exercise  thereof  in  its  repre- 
sentatives. 

Art.  4.  All  public  power  em- 
anates from  the  people.  The 
functionaries  of  the  State  are  its 
delegates,  and  have  no  other  fac- 
ulties than  those  expressly  given 
them  by  the  law.  Under  the  law 
the}7  legislate,  administer  the  gov- 
ernment, and  administer  justice, 
and  according  to  it,  they  shall  give 
an  account  of  their  acts. 

Art.  5.  The  boundaries  of  the 
Republic  and  its  territorial  divi- 
sion shall  be  fixed  by  law. 


CONSTITUTION. 


361 


TITTJXO  n. 
DE  LOS  HONDURENOS. 

Art.    6.    Los    hondurenos  son 
naturales  6  naturalizados. 
Art.  7.  Son  naturales: 

1.  Todas  las  personas  que  hayan 
nacido  6  nacieren  en  el  territorio 
de  la  Republica.  La  nacionalidad 
de  los  hijos  de  extranjeros  nacidos 
en  territorio  hondureno  y  la  de  los 
hijos  de  hondurenos  nacidos  en 
territorio  extranjero,  sera  determi- 
nada  por  los  tratados.  Cuando  no 
haya  tratados  los  hijos  nacidos  en 
Honduras  de  padres  extranjeros 
domiciliados  en  el  pais,  son  hon- 
durenos. 

2.  Se  consideran  como  hondu- 
renos naturales  los  hijos  de  las 
otras  Republicas  de  Centro- Ame- 
rica por  el  hecho  de  hallarse  en 
cualquier  punto  del  territorio  de 
Honduras,  a  no  ser  que  ante  la 
autoridad  correspondiente  mani- 
tiesten  el  proposito  de  conservar 
su  nacionalidad. 

Art.  8.  Son  naturalizados: 

1.  Los  hispano-americanos  que 
tengan  un  ano  de  residencia  en  el 
pais  y  que  manifiesten  su  deseo  de 
natural izarse  en  el  ante  la  autori- 
dad respectiva. 

2.  Los  demas  extranjeros  que 
tengan  dos  anos  de  residencia  en 
el  pais  y  que  manifiesten  su  deseo 
de  naturalizarse  en  el  ante  la  auto- 
ridad correspondiente. 

3.  Los  que  obtengan  carta  de 
naturaleza  acordada  por  la  autori- 
dad que  designe  la  ley. 

TITITLO  in. 

DE  LOS  EXTRANJEROS. 

Art.  9.  La  Republica  de  Hon- 
duras es  un  asilo  sagrado  para  toda 
persona  que  se  ref  ugie  en  su  terri- 
torio. 

Art.  10.  Los  extranjeros  estan 
obligados  desde  su  llegada  al  terri- 
torio de  la  Republica  a  respetar 


TITLE  II. 

HONDURANEANS. 

Art.  6.  Honduraneans  are  either 
native  or  naturalized. 

Art.  7.  Native  Honduraneans 
are: 

1.  All  persons  born  or  who  may 
be  born  in  the  territory  of  the 
Republic.  The  nationality  of  the 
children  of  foreigners-  born  in 
Honduranean  territory  and  that  of 
the  children  of  Honduraneans  born 
in  foreign  territory  shall  be  deter- 
mined by  treat}'.  In  the  absence 
of  a  treaty  the  children  of  foreign 
fathers  born  in  Honduras,  or  for- 
eign fathers  domiciled  in  the  coun- 
try, shall  be  Honduraneans. 

2.  Natives  of  the  other  Central 
American  Republics  shall  be  con- 
sidered native  Honduraneans  by 
the  mere  fact  of  residing  in  any 
part  of  the  territory  of  Honduras, 
unless,  by  declaration  duly  made 
before  the  proper  authority,  they 
declare  their  intention  to  retain 
their  own  nationality. 

Art.  8.  Naturalized  Hondura- 
neans are: 

1.  All  Spanish  Americans  who 
have  resided  one  year  in  the  coun- 
try and  declare  before  the  respec- 
tive authorities  their  desire  to 
become  naturalized. 

2.  All  other  foreigners  who 
have  resided  two  years  in  the 
country  and  declare  before  the 
proper  authority  their  desire  to 
become  naturalized. 

3.  Those  who  have  obtained  nat- 
uralization papers  from  the  au- 
thority designated  by  law  for  that 
purpose. 

TITLE  ni. 

FOREIGNERS. 

Art.  9.  The  Republic  of  Hon- 
duras is  a  sacred  asylum  for  all 
persons  who  take  refuge  in  its 
territory. 

Art.  10.  Foreigners  shall  be 
bound  from  the  time  of  their  ar- 
rival in  the  territory  of  the  Re- 


362 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


las  autoridades  y  a  observar  las 
leyes. 

Art.  11.  Los  extranjeros  gozan 
en  Honduras  de  todos  los  derechos 
civiles  de  los  hondurenos. 

Art.  12.  Pueden  adquirir  toda 
clase  de  bienes  en  el  pais;  pero 
quedaran  sujetos  en  cuanto  a  estos 
bienes  a  todas  las  cargas  ordinarias 
y  a  las  extraordinarias  de  caracter 
general  a  que  est^n  obligados  los 
hondurenos. 

Art.  13.  Los  extranjeros  domi- 
ciliados  en  Honduras  pueden  de- 
sempenar  empleos  municipales  y 
de  simple  administracion. 

Art.  14.  No  podran  hacer  re- 
clamaciones  ni  exigir  indemniza- 
cion  alguna  al  Estado  sino  en  los 
casos  y  en  la  forma  que  pudieran 
hacerlo  los  hondurenos. 

Art.  15.  Los  extranjeros  no 
podran  ocurrir  a  la  via  diploma- 
tica  sino  en  los  casos  de  manifiesta 
denegacion  de  justicia,  retardo 
anormal  6  violation  evidente  de 
los  principios  del  Derecho  Inter- 
nacional.  Para  este  efecto  no  se 
entiende  por  denegacion  de  justi- 
cia, que  un  fallo  ejecutoriado  no 
sea  favorable  al  reclamante.  Si 
contraviniendo  esta  disposition  no 
terminaren  amistosamente  las  re- 
clamaciones  y  se  causaren  perjui- 
cios  al  pais,  perderan  el  derecho 
de  habitar  en  el. 

Art.  16.  La  extradition  solo 
podra  otorgarse  en  virtud  de  ley  6 
de  tratados  por  delitos  comunes 
graves,  nunca  por  delitos  politicos, 
aunque  por  consecuencia  de  6stos 
resulte  un  delito  comun. 

Art.  17.  Las  leyes  podran  esta- 
blecer  la  forma  y  casos  en  que 
pueda  negarse  al  extranjero  la  en- 
trada  al  territorio  de  la  Nation 
u  ordenarse  su  expulsion  por  con- 
siderarlo  pernicioso. 

Art.  18.  Las  le}Tes  y  tratados 
reglamentaran  el  uso  de  estas  ga- 
rantias,  sin  poder  disminuirlas  ni 
alterarlas. 


public  to  obey  the  laws  and  respect 
the  authorities. 

Art.  11.  Foreigners  shall  enjoy 
in  Honduras  all  the  civil  rights  of 
Honduraneans. 

Art.  12.  They  can  acquire  all 
kinds  of  property  in  the  country, 
subject,  however,  to  all  the  ordi- 
nary and  extraordinary  burdens 
of  general  character  which  may  be 
imposed  upon  the  property  of 
Honduraneans. 

Art.  13.  Foreigners  domiciled 
in  Honduras  shall  be  permitted  to 
hold  municipal  offices  and  those 
purely  administrative. 

Art.  14.  Foreigners  shall  not 
present  claims  against  the  State  or 
demand  the  payment  by  it  of  any 
indemnity,  except  in  the  cases  and 
in  the  manner  in  which  Hondura- 
neans may  do  so. 

Art.  15.  Foreigners  shall  not  re- 
sort to  diplomatic  intervention 
except  in  case  of  manifest  denial 
of  justice,  abnormal  delays,  or 
self-evident  violation  of  the  prin- 
ciples of  international  law.  The 
fact  that  a  final  decision  is  not 
favorable  to  the  claimant  shall  not 
be  construed  as  a  denial  of  justice. 
If  in  violation  of  this  provision 
claims  are  presented,  and  not  ami- 
cably adjusted,  injury  to  the  Gov- 
ernment being  sustained  thereby, 
the  claimant  shall  lose  the  right  to 
inhabit  the  country. 

Art.  16.  Extradition  shall  only 
be  granted  by  virtue  of  law  or 
treaty,  for  grave  common  offenses; 
but  never  for  offenses  of  political 
character,  even  in  case  that  a  com- 
mon offense  has  resulted  there- 
from. 

Art.  17.  The  laws  shall  estab- 
lish the  manner  and  the  cases  in 
which  a  foreigner  can  be  refused 
admission  to  the  territory  of  the 
Nation  or  expelled  therefrom  for 
being  deemed  pernicious. 

Art.  18.  The  laws  and  treaties 
shall  regulate  the  use  of  these 
guaranties,  without  abridging  or 
modifying  them. 


CONSTITUTION. 


363 


Art.  19.  Las  disposiciones  de 
este  titulo  no  modifican  los  trata- 
dos  existentes  entre  Honduras  y 
otras  naciones. 

t!tul,o  IV. 

DE  LOS  CIUDADANOS. 

Art.  20.  Son  ciudadanos  todos 
los  hondurenos  mayores  de  vein- 
tiun  anos,  y  los  mayores  de  diez  y 
ocho  que  sean  casados  6  sepan  leer 
y  escribir. 

Art.  21.  Se  suspenden  los  dere- 
chos  del  ciudadano: 

1.  Por  auto  de  prision  6  decla- 
ratoria  de  haber  lugar  a  formation 
de  causa. 

2.  Por  vagancia  legalmente  de- 
clarada. 

3.  Por  enajenacion  mental  ju- 
dicialmente  declarada. 

4.  Por  sentencia  de  inhabilita- 
cion  para  el  ejercicio  de  derechos 
politicos  durante  el  termino  de  la 
condena. 

Art.  22.  Pierden  la  cualidad  de 
ciudadanos: 

1.  Los  que  admitan  empleos  de 
naciones  extranjeras  sin  licencia 
de  la  autoridad  respectiva.  Las 
Republicas  de  Centro  America  no 
se  consideran  como  naciones  ex- 
tranjeras. 

2.  Los  que  se  naturalizen  en 
pais  extranjero.  Ningun  hondu- 
reno,  aun  cuando  adquiera  nacio- 
nalidad  extranjera,  podra  eximirse 
de  los  deberes  que  le  imponen  la 
Constitution  y  las  leyes,  en  tanto 
que  tenga  su  domicilio  en  la  Repu- 
blica. 

Art.  23.  El  voto  activo  es  irre- 
nunciable  y  obligatorio  para  los 
ciudadanos.  El  sufragio  es  pu- 
blico y  directo.  Las  elecciones  se 
practicaran  en  la  forma  que  pres- 
cribe la  ley. 

Art.  24.  Solo  los  ciudadanos  en 
ejercicio  de  sus  derechos  pueden 
obtener  voto  pasivo  con  arreglo  a 
la  ley. 


Art.  19.  The  provisions  of  this 
title  shall  not  affect  the  stipulations 
made  by  existing  treaties  between 
Honduras  and  other  nations. 

TITLE  IV. 

CITIZENS. 

Art.  20.  All  Honduraneans  over 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  and 
those  over  eighteen  who  are  mar- 
ried, or  know  how  to  read  and 
write,  shall  be  citizens. 

Art.  21.  The  rights  of  citizen- 
ship shall  be  suspended: 

1.  By  an  order  of  arrest  or  a 
declaration  that  criminal  proceed- 
ings should  be  instituted  against  a 
citizen. 

2.  By  conviction  of  vagrancy. 

3.  By  insanity  judicially  de- 
clared. 

4.  By  judicial  decision  disqual- 
ifying a  citizen  temporarily  from 
the  exercise  of  political  rights. 

Art.  22.  Citizenship  shall  be 
lost: 

1.  By  those  accepting  employ- 
ment from  foreign  nations  without 
permission  of  the  respective  Hon- 
duranean  authorities.  The  Repub- 
lics of  Central  America  shall  not  be 
considered  foreign  nations. 

2.  By  those  who  should  become 
naturalized  in  a  foreign  country. 
No  Honduranean,  even  if  acquir- 
ing foreign  citizenship,  shall  be  ex- 
empted from  the  duties  imposed 
upon  them  by  the  Constitution 
and  the  laws  as  long  as  they  re- 
main domiciled  in  the  Republic. 

Art.  23.  The  right  to  vote  shall 
not  be  waived,  and  is  compulsory 
for  all  citizens.  The  suffrage  is 
public  and  direct.  The  elections 
shall  be  held  in  the  manner  and 
form  provided  by  law. 

Art.  24.  Only  citizens  in  the 
exercise  of  their  rights  shall  be 
legally  eligible  for  public  posi- 
tions. 


364 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


TITUL.O  V. 
DERECHOS  Y  GARANTIAS. 

Art.  25.  La  Constitucion  garan- 
tiza  a  todos  los  habitantes  de  Hon- 
duras, sean  nacionales  6  extranje- 
ros,  la  inviolabilidad  de  la  vida 
humana,  la  seguridad  individual, 
la  libertad,  la  igualdad  y  la  pro- 
piedad. 


TITLE  V. 

RIGHTS  AND  GUARANTIES. 

Art.  25.  The  Constitution  guar- 
anties to  all  the  inhabitants  of 
Honduras,  whether  natives  or 
foreigners,  inviolability  of  human 
life,  individual  safety,  liberty, 
equality,  and  property. 


Inviolabilidad  de  la  vida  humana.  Inviolability  of  human  life. 


Art.  26.  La  pena  de  muerte 
queda  abolida  en  Honduras:  y 
mientras  se  establece  el  sistema 
penitenciario  solo  podra  aplicarse 
en  los  casos  que  determine  la  ley,  al 
parricida,  al  asesino,  a  los  autores 
de  delitos  militares  de  caracter 
grave  y  a  los  de  pirateria. 


Seguridad  individual. 

Art.  27.  La  Constitucion  reco- 
noce  la  garantia  del  habeas  corpus. 
En  consecuencia,  toda  persona 
ilegalmente  detenida  6  cualquiera 
otra  en  su  nombre,  tiene  derecho 
para  reeurrir  al  Tribunal,  verbal- 
mente  6  por  escrito,  pidiendo  la 
exhibicion  de  la  persona. 

Art.  28.  Toda  persona  tiene  de- 
recho para  pedir  amparo  contra 
cualquier  atentado  6  arbitrariedad 
de  que  sea  victima,  y  para  hacer 
efectivo  el  ejercicio  de  todas  las 
garantias  que  esta  Constitucion  es 
tablece,  cuando  sea  indebidamente 
coartada  en  el  goce  de  el  las,  por 
leyes  6  actos  de  cualquiera  autori- 
dad,  agente  6  f  uncionario  publico. 

Art.  29.  La  orden  de  arresto 
que  no  emane  de  autoridad  com- 

{>etente,  6  que  se  haya  dictado  sin 
as  formalidades  legales,  es  aten- 
toria. 

Art.  30.  La  detencion  para  in- 
quirir  no  podra  pasar  de  seis  dias. 


Art.  26.  The  penalty  of  death 
is  abolished  in  Honduras;  but  as 
the  penitentiary  system  is  not  }ret 
established,  the  said  penalty  shall 
continue  to  be  imposed  in  the  cases 
determined  by  law  upon  persons 
convicted  of  parricide,  murder, 
piracy,  and  military  offenses  of 
grave  character  and  in  no  other. 

Individual  safety. 

Art.  27.  The  Constitution  rec- 
ognizes the  habeas  corpus  guar- 
anty. In  consequence  thereof,  any 
one  unlawfully  detained  has  the 
right  to  apply  to  the  court,  orally 
or  in  writing,  by  himself  or  through 
someone  else,  and  request  the  ex- 
hibition of  his  person. 

Art.  28.  Every  one  shall  have 
the  right  to  request  protection 
against  any  outrage  or  arbitrary 
act  perpetrated  against  him,  and 
to  secure  the  exercise  of  all  the 
guaranties  which  the  present  Con- 
stitution establishes,  when  unduly 
coerced  or  deprived  of  their  en- 
joyment by  laws  or  acts  of  any 
authority,  public  agent,  or  func- 
tionary. 

Art.  29.  An  order  of  arrest  not 
issued  by  competent  authority,  or 
issued  without  the  legal  formali- 
ties, is  wrongful. 

Art.  30.  The  detention  of  a  per- 
son for  purposes  of  investigation 
shall  never  exceed  six  davs. 


CONSTITUTION. 


365 


art.  31.  La  incomunicacion  del 
detenido  no  podra  pasar  de  tres 
dias. 

Art.  32.  No  podra  proveerse 
auto  de  prision  sin  que  preceda 
plena  prueba  de  haberse  cometido 
un  delito  que  merezca  pena  de  pri- 
vacion  de  la  libertad,  y  sin  que 
resulte  indicio  racional  de  quien 
sea  su  autor. 

Art.  33.  Es  permitida  la  prision 
6  arresto  por  pena  6  apremio,  en 
los  casos  y  por  el  termino  que  dis- 
pongalaley.  El  apremio  no  podra 
exceder  de  treinta  dias. 


Se  prohibe  la  prision  pordeudas. 

Art.  34.  El  delincuente  infra- 
ganti  puede  ser  aprehendido  por 
cualquiera  persona,  para  el  efecto 
de  entregarlo  inmediatamente  a  la 
autoridad  que  tenga  facultad  de 
arrestar. 

Art.  35.  Ninguno  puede  ser 
preso  6  detenido  sino  en  los  lu- 
gares  que  determine  la  ley. 

Se  prohibe  absolutamente  toda 
clase  de  tormentos,  las  prisiones 
innecesarias  y  todo  rigor  indebido. 
La  fustigacion  6  aplicacion  de 
palos  es  un  crimen. 

Art.  36.  Aun  con  auto  de  pri- 
sion, ninguno  puede  ser  llevado  a 
la  carcel  ni  detenido  en  ella,  si 
presentare  fianza  suficiente,  cuan- 
do  por  el  delito  no  deba  aplicarse 
pena  que  pase  de  tres  anos. 

Art.  37.  Ninguno  puede  ser 
juzgado  por  comisiones  especiales, 
ni  por  otros  jueces  que  los  desig- 
nados  por  la  ley. 

Art.  38.  El  derecho  de  defensa 
es  inviolable. 

Art.  39.  Nadie  puede  ser  obli- 
gado,  en  materia  criminal,  a  de- 
clarar  contra  si  mismo,  ni  contra 
su  conyuge  y  parientes  dentro  del 
cuarto  grado  de  consanguinidad  6 
segundo  de  afinidad. 


Art.  31.  The  keeping  of  a  pris- 
oner in  close  confinement  without 
communication  with  the  outside 
world  shall  not  exceed  three  days. 

Art.  32.  No  order  of  arrest 
shall  be  issued  except  upon  full 
proof  that  an  offense  deserving 
deprivation  of  liberty  has  been 
committed,  and  sufficient  indica- 
tion of  the  guilt  of  the  party  to  be 
detained. 

Art.  33.  The  arrest  or  impris- 
onment of  a  person  as  a  compul- 
sory measure,  or  as  a  punishment, 
shall  be  permitted  in  the  cases  and 
for  the  time  established  by  law, 
provided  that  it  does  not  exceed 
thirty  days. 

Imprisonment  for  debts  is  for- 
bidden. 

Art.  34.  Offenders  may  be 
arrested  in  flagranti  delicto  by 
any  person  whatever;  but  they 
shall  be  immediately  delivered  to 
the  functionary  who  has  power  to 
commit. 

Art.  35.  No  prisoner  shall  be 
confined  except  in  the  places  es- 
tablished by  law. 

Every  kind  of  torture,  unneces- 
sary putting  in  irons,  and  undue 
rigorous  treatment  are  absolutely 
forbidden.  Beating  with  whips 
or  sticks  is  a  criminal  offense. 

Art.  36.  Even  in  case  that  an 
order  of  arrest  has  been  issued 
against  some  one,  he  shall  not  be 
taken  to  jail  or  detained  therein,  if 
he  gives  sufficient  bail,  when  the 
penalty  for  the  offense  does  not 
exceed  three  years. 

Art.  37.  No  one  shall  be  tried 
by  special  commissions,  or  by 
other  judges  than  those  designated 
by  law. 

Art.  38.  The  right  of  defense 
in  court  is  inviolable. 

Art.  39.  No  one  shall  be  com- 
pelled in  criminal  cases  to  testify 
against  himself  or  against  his  con- 
sort, or  against  his  relatives  within 
the  fourth  degree  of  consanguin- 
ity or  second  of  affinity. 


366 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


Art.  40.  Ninguno  puede  ser  in- 
quietado  ni  perseguido  por  sus 
opiniones.  Las  acciones  privadas 
que  no  alteren  la  moral  6  el  orden 
publico,  6  que  no  causen  dano  a 
tercero,  estaran  siempre  fuera  de 
la  accion  de  la  ley. 

Art.  41.  El  domicilio  es  invio- 
lable. No  podra  allanarse  sino  en 
los  casos  y  forma  que  la  ley  de- 
termine. 

Art.  42.  Son  inviolables  la  co- 
rrespondencia  epistolar  y  tele- 
grafica,  los  papeles  privados  y  los 
libros  de  comercio.  En  ningiin 
caso  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  ni  sus 
agentes  podran  sustraer,  abrir  ni 
detener  la  correspondencia  episto- 
lar 6  telegrafica.  La  sustraida  de 
las  estafetas  6  de  cualquier  otro 
lugar  no  hace  fe  contra  ninguno. 

La  correspondencia  particular, 
papeles  y  libros  privados,  solo 
podran  ocuparse  en  virtud  de  auto 
de  juez  competente,  en  los  asuntos 
criminales  y  civiles  que  la  ley 
determine. 

Art.  43.  Se  prohibe  dar  leyes 
proscriptivas,  confiscatorias,  6  que 
establezcan  penas  infamantes  6 
perpetuas.  La  duracion  de  las 
penas  no  podra  exceder  de  doce 
anos,  y  de  veinte  las  acumuladas 
por  varios  delitos. 


Art.  44.  Las  leyes  no  pueden 
tener  efecto  retroactivo,  excepto 
en  materia  penal,  cuando  la  nueva 
ley  sea  favorable  al  delincuente. 

Art.  45.  La  policia  de  seguridad 
solo  podra  ser  confiada  a  las  auto- 
ridades  civiles. 

Libertad. 

Art.  46.  Se  garantiza  el  libre 
ejercicio  de  todas  las  religiones, 
sin  mas  limite  que  el  trazado  por 
la  moral  y  el  orden  publico. 

Art.  47.  Los  actos  constitutivos 
del  estado  civil  de  las  personas  son 


Art.  40.  No  one  shall  be  molested 
or  prosecuted  for  his  opinions. 
Private  actions  not  affecting  pub- 
lic morals  or  order,  or  doing  no 
injurjr  to  third  parties,  shall  be 
always  beyond  the  action  of  the 
law. 

Art.  41.  Domicile  is  inviolable; 
it  can  not  be  entered  except  in  the 
cases  and  in  the  form  provided  by 
law. 

Art.  42.  Private  correspond- 
ence, by  letter  or  telegraph,  pri- 
vate papers  and  commercial  books 
are  inviolable.  In  no  case  shall 
the  Executive  or  the  agents  there- 
of have  power  to  intercept,  open 
or  detain  private  letters  or  tele- 
grams. Correspondence  inter- 
cepted, whether  at  the  post-offices 
or  any  other  place,  shall  not  be 
admitted  in  evidence. 

Private  correspondence,  papers 
and  books  shall  not  be  seized  ex- 
cept by  order  of  a  competent  court, 
in  the  cases,  whether  civil  or  crimi- 
nal, which  the  law  may  determine. 

Art.  43.  The  enactment  of  laws 
providing  for  proscription,  con- 
fiscation, or  the  establishment  of 
infamous  or  perpetual  penalties  is 
hereby  forbidden.  The  terms  of 
imprisonment  shall  not  exceed 
twelve  vears,  and  in  the  case  of 
accumulation  of  sentences  for  sev- 
eral offenses  twenty  years. 

Art.  44.  Laws  shall  not  have  re- 
troactive effect  except  in  criminal 
cases  and  when  they  prove  to  be 
favorable  to  the  guilty  party. 

Art.  45.  The  police  shall  depend 
on  the  civil  authority. 


Liberty. 

Art.  46.  The  free  exercise  of 
all  religions  shall  be  guaranteed. 
There  shall  be  no  other  limit  to 
this  liberty  than  the  requirements 
of  morals  and  public  order. 

Art.  47.  The  acts  affecting  the 
civil  status  of  a  person  shall  be- 


CONSTITUTION. 


367 


de  la  exclusiva  competencia  de  los 
funcionarios  y  autoridades  del 
orden  civil,  en  los  terminos  pre- 
venidos  por  la  ley. 

Art.  48.  La  emision  del  pensa- 
miento  por  la  palabra  hablada  6 
escrita,  es  libre,  salvo  los  casos  en 
que  se  ataque  la  moral,  la  honra, 
se  provoque  algun  delito  6  se  per- 
turbe  el  orden  social. 


Art.  49.  Se  garantiza  la  libre 
ensenanza.  La  que  se  costee  con 
fondos  publicos  sera  laica,  y  la 
primaria  sera  ademas  gratuita, 
obligatoria  y  subvenida  por  el  Es- 
tado.  La  ley  reglamentara  la 
ensenanza,  sin  restringir  su  liber- 
tad  ni  la  independencia  de  los 
profesores. 

Art.  50.  Se  garantiza  la  liber- 
tad  de  reunion  sin  armas,  y  la  de 
asociacion  para  cualquier  otro 
objeto  licito;  pero  solamente  los 
ciudadanos  de  la  Republica  pue- 
den  hacerlo  para  tomar  parte  en 
los  asuntos  politicos  de  la  Nacion. 
Se  prohibe  el  establecimiento  de 
toda  clase  de  asociaciones  monas- 
ticas. 

Art.  51.  Todo  hombre  es  libre 
para  abrazar  la  profesion,  indus- 
tria  6  trabajo  que  le  acomode, 
siendo  util  y  honesto,  y  para  apro- 
vecharse  de  sus  productos.  No 
se  le  impedira  el  ejercicio  de  estos 
derechos;  sino  por  sentencia  ju- 
dicial, cuando  ataque  los  de  ter- 
cero,  6  por  resolucion  gubernativa 
cuando  ofenda  los  de  la  sociedad. 


Art.  52.  No  habra  monopolios 
ni  estancos.  Solo  podran  estan- 
carse  en  provecho  del  Estado  el 
aguardiente  y  las  sustancias  fer- 
mentadas,  la  polvora,  dinamita  y 
demas  sustancias  explosivas,  el 
salitre  y  el  tabaco.  La  acunacion 
de  moneda,  el  correo,  el  telegrafo 


long  to  the  exclusive  jurisdiction 
of  civil  functionaries  and  authori- 
ties, in  the  manner  provided  by 
law. 

Art.  48.  The  expression  of 
thoughts,  orally  or  in  writing,  shall 
be  free,  except  in  cases  where 
public  morals  or  private  reputa- 
tion are  injured  by  it,  or  when  the 
commission  of  criminal  offenses  or 
the  disturbance  of  social  order  are 
thereby  incited. 

Art.  49.  Free  education  is  guar- 
anteed. Education  supported  by 
public  funds  shall  be  laical.  Pri- 
mary instruction  shall  be  gratu- 
itous, compulsory,  and  subsidized 
by  the  otate.  The  law  shall 
establish  rules  for  the  imparting 
of  public  instruction,  without  re- 
stricting the  liberty  of  teaching  or 
the  independence  of  the  teachers. 

Art.  50.  The  freedom  of  re- 
union without  arms  and  of  asso- 
ciation for  any  lawful  purpose  is 
guaranteed;  but  only  the  citizens 
of  the  Republic  can  take  part  in 
meetings  to  discuss  the  political 
matters  of  the  Nation.  The  es- 
tablishment of  all  kinds  of  mo- 
nastic institutions  is  hereby  for- 
bidden. 

Art.  51.  Everyone  is  free  to 
engage  in  the  practice  of  the  pro- 
fession, industry,  or  labor  which 
best  suits  his  purposes,  provided 
that  it  is  useful  and  honest. 
Everyone  is  likewise  free  to  profit 
by  the  products  of  his  labor.  No 
one  shall  be  prevented  from  exer- 
cising these  rights,  except  by 
judicial  decision  when  they  en- 
croach upon  the  rights  of  third 
parties,  or  by  Executive  order 
when  in  conflict  with  the  rights  of 
society. 

Art.  52.  There  shall  not  be 
monopolies  of  any  kind.  The 
manufacture  of  brand}'  and  fer- 
mented beverages,  gunpowder, 
dynamite,  and  other  explosives; 
saltpeter  and  tobacco  may  be, 
however,  monopolized  by  the 
Government  to  the  benefit  of  the 


368 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


y  el  tele'fono,  corresponden  al 
Estado.  Los  monopolios,  pri- 
vileges y  concesiones  en  favor  de 
los  particulares,  solo  podran  es- 
tablecerse  por  tiempo  liinitado, 
para  fomentar  la  introduccion  6 
perfeccionamiento  de  las  indus- 
trias,  la  colonizacion,  la  inmigra- 
cion,  las  instituciones  de  cr^dito  y 
la  apertura  de  vias  de  comunica- 
ci6n. 

Art.  53.  Todo  individuo  es  libre 
para  disponer  de  sus  propiedades 
conforme  al  Derecho  civil. 

Art.  54.  Son  prohibidas  las  vin- 
culaciones  y  toda  institucion  en 
favor  de  establecimientos  religio- 
sos. 

Art.  55.  Toda  persona  6  reunion 
de  personas  tienen  derecho  a  diri- 
gir  sus  peticiones  a  las  autoridades 
legalmente  establecidas,  de  que  se 
resuelvan  y  se  les  haga  saber  la 
resolucion  correspondiente;  pero 
en  materias  politicas  solo  pueden 
ejercerlo  los  ciudadanos  de  la  Re- 
publica. 

Art.  56.  Todos  tienen  libertad 
para  entrar,  permanecer,  transitar 
y  salir  del  territorio  de  la  nacion, 
sin  pasaporte. 

Igualdad. 

Art.  57.  Ante  la  ley  no  hay  f  ue- 
ros  ni  privilegios  personales,  pero 
los  ministros  de  las  diversas  socie- 
dades  religiosas,  no  podran  ejercer 
cargos  publicos. 

Art.  58.  La  proporcionalidad 
sera  la  base  de  las  contribuciones 
directas. 

Propiedad. 

Art.  59.  Nadie  puede  ser  pri- 
vado  de  su  propiedad  sino  en  vir- 
tud  de  le}T  o  de  sentencia  fundada 
en  ley.  La  expropiacion  por  causa 
de  necesidad  6  utilidad  publica, 
debe  ser  caliticada  por  la  ley  6  por 
sentencia  fundada  en  ley,  y  no  se 
verificara  sin  previa  indemniza- 
cion.     En  caso  de  guerra,  no  es 


State.  The  coinage  of  money  and 
the  postal,  telegraphic,  and  tele- 
phonic services  correspond  to  the 
State.  Monopolies,  privileges, 
and  concessions  in  favor  of  pri- 
vate parties  can  only  be  granted 
for  a  limited  time,  in  order  to 
promote  the  introduction  or  im- 
provement of  industries,  coloniza- 
tion, immigration,  institutions  of 
credit,  and  the  opening  of  waj7s 
of  communication. 

Art.  53.  Everyone  is  free  to 
dispose  of  his  property  according 
to  law. 

Art.  54.  The  entailment  of  prop- 
erty and  endowments  in  favor  of 
religious  institutions   are  forbid 
den. 

Art.  55.  Every  person  or  re- 
union of  persons  have  the  right  to 
address  petitions  to  the  legally  es- 
tablished authorities,  have  them 
acted  upon,  and  be  informed  of 
the  result.  But  in  political  mat- 
ters this  right  can  only  be  exer- 
cised by  citizens  of  the  Republic. 

Art.  56.  Everyone  is  free  to 
enter,  remain  in,  travel  through, 
or  leave  the  territory  of  the  nation 
without  passports. 

Equality. 

Art.  57.  There  are  no  personal 
privileges  before  the  law;  but  min- 
isters of  all  religious  associations 
are  disqualified  from  exercising 
public  functions. 

Art.  58.  The  basis  for  direct 
taxation  shall  be  proportionality. 

Property. 

Art.  59.  No  one  can  be  deprived 
of  his  property  except  by  law,  or 
by  judicial  decision  founded  on  law. 
The  condemnation  of  private  prop- 
erty for  public  use  has  to  be  or- 
dered by  law  or  by  judicial  de- 
cision founded  on  law,  and  shall 
not  be  carried  into  effect  without 
previous  indemnification.     In  case 


CONSTITUTION. 


369 


indispensable  que    la  indemniza- 
cion  sea  previa. 

Art.  60.  Todo  autor  6  inventor 
goza  de  la  propiedad  exclusiva  de 
su  obra  6  descubrimiento,  por  el 
tiempo  que  determine  la  ley. 

Art.  61.  El  derecho  de  reivin- 
dicar  los  bienes  confiscados  pres- 
cribe en  cincuenta  anos. 

Art.  62.  Solo  el  Congreso  im- 
pone  contribuciones  nacionales. 

Art.  63.  Ningiin  servicio  per- 
sonal es  exigible  sino  en  virtud  de 
ley  6  de  sentencia  fundada  en  ley. 

TITUL.O  VI. 

DE  LA  FORMA  DE  GOBIERNO. 

Art.  64.  El  Gobierno  de  Hon- 
duras es  republicano,  democratico 
y  representative.  Se  ejerce  por 
tres  Poderes  independientes:  Le- 
gislative, Ejecutivo  y  Judicial. 

Art.  65.  Ninguno  de  los  Poderes 
constituidos  podra  ejecutar  actos 
en  que  se  altere  la  forma  de 
Gobierno  establecida  6  se  nie- 
noscabe  la  integridad  del  territorio 
6  la  soberania  nacional. 


TITUXO  VII. 

DEL  PODER  LEGISLATIVO. 

Art.  66.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
se  ejerce  por  un  Congreso  de  Dipu- 
tados,  que  se  reunira  de  derecho 
en  la  capital,  cada  dos  anos,  del 
primero  al  quince  de  Enero,  sin 
necesidad  de  convocatoria.  Sus 
sesiones  duraran  hasta  noventa 
dias,  pudiendo  cerrarlas  antes  6 
prorrogarlas,  de  acuerdo  con  el 
Ejecutivo.  Tambien  las  tendra 
extraordinarias  cuando  sea  convo- 
cado  por  este,  en  cuyo  caso  solo 
se  ocupara  de  los  asuntos  que 
motiven  su  reunion. 


of  war  the  indemnification  need 
not  be  previous. 

Art.  60.  Authors  and  inventors 
shall  enjoy  the  exclusive  owner- 
ship of  their  works  or  discoveries 
for  the  time  to  be  determined  by 
law. 

Art.  61.  The  right  to  recover 
confiscated  property  is  barred  by 
limitation  at  the  end  of  fifty  years. 

Art.  62.  Congress  alone  can 
levy  national  taxes. 

Art.  63.  No  personal  service 
can  be  demanded  except  by  virtue 
of  a  law  or  of  a  judicial  decision 
founded  on  law. 

TITLE  VI. 

THE  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

Art.  64.  The  Government  of 
Honduras  is  republican,  demo- 
cratic, and  representative.  It  is 
exercised  by  three  independent 
powers — legislative,  executive,  and 
judicial. 

Art.  65.  None  of  the  constituted 
powers  shall  perform  any  act  by 
which  the  established  form  of  gov- 
ernment may  be  modified,  or  by 
which  the  integrity  of  the  territory 
or  the  national  sovereignty  may 
be  affected. 

TITLE  VII. 

THE  LEGISLATIVE  POWER. 

Art.  66.  The  legislative  power 
is  vested  in  a  Congress  of  deputies 
which  shall  meet,  even  if  not  called, 
in  the  capital  of  the  Republic,  every 
two  years  between  the  first  and 
fifteenth  of  January.  Congress 
shall  be  in  session  for  ninety  days, 
but  it  may,  before  the  expiration  of 
that  time,  adjourn  its  meetings, 
finally  or  temporarily,  with  the  ad- 
vice and  consent  of  the  Executive. 
It  shall  meet  in  extra  session  when 
called  for  that  purpose;  but  in  this 
case  it  shall  deal  with  no  other 
subjects  than  those  mentioned  in 
the  call. 


360a— vol  1—06- 


-24 


370 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


Art.  67.  Un  numero  de  Dipu- 
tados  que  no  baje  de  cinco  tiene 
facultaa  para  tomar  las  medidas 
convenientes  a  fin  de  hacer  con- 
currir  a  los  demas  hasta  obtener  su 
instalacion.  El  Congreso  puede 
instalarse  y  deliberar  con  las  dos 
terceras  partes  de  los  Diputados 
electos,  y  para  que  haya  resolution 
basta,  por  regla  general,  la  mayo- 
ria  absoluta  de  votos. 

Art.  68.  Los  Diputados  seran 
elegidos  por  cuatro  anos  y  pueden 
ser  reelectos  indefinidamente.  A 
los  dos  anos  del  primer  periodo  se 
renovaran  por  mitad,  por  sorteo 
que  hara  el  Congreso  al  eerrar  sus 
sesiones.  La  renovation  sucesiva 
se  hara  por  orden  de  antigiiedad. 

Art.  69.  Para  ser  Diputado  se 
requiere  ser  ciudadano  en  ejercicio 
de  sus  derechos,  haber  curaplido 
veinticineo  anos  de  edad  y  ser  na- 
tural 6  vecino  del  Departamento 
que  verifique  la  eleccion. 

Art.  70.  No  pueden  ser  Dipu- 
tados: 

1.  Los  Secretarios  y  Subsecre- 
tarios  de  Estado. 

2.  Los  militares  en  servicio. 

3.  Los  Gobernadores  Politicos 
y  Administradores  de  Rentas,  por 
el  Departamento  6  Distrito  electo- 
ral en  que  ejerzan  sus  funciones. 

Art.  71.  El  Diputado  es  invio- 
lable. En  ningun  tiempo  sera 
responsable  por  las  ideas  que,  de 
palabra  6  por  escrito,  exponga  en 
el  desempeno  de  su  mandato. 

Art.  72.  La  eleccion  de  Dipu- 
tados al  Congreso  se  hara  sobre  la 
base  de  un  Diputado  propietario  y 
un  suplente  por  cada  diez  mil  ha- 
bitantes.  Si  hubiere  fracciones, 
su  representation  sera  determina- 
da  por  la  ley. 


Art.  67.  A  number  of  deputies, 
consisting  of  not  less  than  five, 
shall  have  power  to  compel  the 
attendance  of  the  other  mem- 
bers until  a  quorum  is  secured. 
Congress  can  do  business  with  a 
quorum  consisting  of  two-thirds 
of  the  elected  deputies,  and  as  a 
general  rule  all  measures  shall  be 
passed  by  absolute  majority  of 
votes. 

Art.  68.  The  deputies  shall  be 
elected  for  four  years,  and  may  be 
reelected  indefinitely.  At  the  ex- 
piration of  the  first  two  years  they 
shall  be  renewed  by  half.  Those 
who  are  to  leave  shall  be  chosen  by 
lot  before  adjournment.  Subse- 
quent renewals  shall  be  made  by 
order  of  seniority. 

Art.  69.  To  be  a  deputy  the  fol- 
lowing shall  be  required:  To  be  a 
citizen  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  the 
rights  of  citizenship;  to  be  over 
twenty-five  years  of  age;  and  to  be 
a  native  or  resident  of  the  depart- 
ment where  the  election  is  held. 

Art.  70.  The  following  shall  not 
be  deputies: 

1.  The  secretaries  and  assistant 
secretaries  of  state. 

2.  Military  men  in  active  serv- 
ice. 

3.  Political  governors  and  col- 
lectors of  revenue  in  the  depart- 
ment or  electoral  district  in  which 
they  exercise  their  functions. 

Art.  71.  A  deputy  is  inviolable. 
At  no  time  shall  he  be  responsible 
for  the  ideas  which,  orally  or  in 
writing,  he  may  have  expressed  in 
the  performance  of  "his  functions. 

Art.  72.  The  election  of  depu- 
ties shall  be  made  upon  the  basis 
of  one  deputy  and  one  substitute 
for  every  ten  thousand  inhabitants. 
In  cases  of  fractions  of  this  num- 
ber, the  representation  thereof 
shall  be  determined  by  law. 


CONSTITUTION. 


371 


TITUXO  VIII. 

DE  LAS  ATRIBUCIONES  DEL  PODER 
LEGISLATIVO. 

Art.  73.  Corresponden  al  Con- 
greso  las  atribuciones  siguientes: 

1.  Abrir  y  cerrar  sus  sesiones, 
calificar  la  eleccion  de  sus  miem- 
bros,  con  vista  de  las  credenciales, 
y  recibirles  la  promesa  de  ley. 

2.  Llamar  a  los  respectivos  su- 
plentes,  en  caso  de  falta  absoluta 
6  de  legitimo  impedimento  de  los 

f)ropietarios,   y    mandar    reponer 
as  vacantes  que  ocurran. 

3.  Admitir  la  renuncia  de  sus 
miembros,  por  causas  legales  debi- 
damente  comprobadas. 

4.  Formar  su  reglamento  in- 
terior. 

5.  Decretar,  interpretar,  refor- 
mar  y  derogar  las  leyes. 

6.  Crear  y  suprimir  empleos, 
establecer  pensiones  y  decretar 
honores. 

7.  Conceder  amnistias  cuando 
la  conveniencia  publica  lo  exija. 

8.  Indultar  y  conmutar  las  pe- 
nas,  por  motivos  de  justicia  6 
equidad. 

9.  Elegir  los  Magistrados  de  la 
Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia,  y  ad- 
mitirles  6  no  su  renuncia. 

10.  Disponer todo  lo  conveniente 
a  la  seguridad  y  defensa  de  la  Re- 
publica. 

11.  Hacer  el  escrutinio  de  votos 
para  Presidente  de  la  Repiiblica,  y 
declarar  electo  al  ciudadano  que 
hubiere  obtenido  may  oria  absoluta. 

12.  En  caso  de  no  haber  may  oria 
absoluta,  hacer  la  eleccion  de  Pre- 
sidente entre  los  tres  ciudadanos 
que  hubieren  obtenido  mayor  mi- 
mero  de  sufragios  populares. 

13.  Recibir  la  promesa  consti- 
tucionaj  a  los  f  uncionarios  que  elija 
6  declare  electos,  y  admitirles  6  no 
sus  renuncias. 

14.  Declarar  con  lugar  a  forma- 
tion de  causa  al  Presidente,  a  los 


TITLE  VIII. 

THE  FACULTIES  OF  THE  LEGISLA- 
TIVE POWER. 

Art.  73.  The  following  powers 
belong  to  Congress: 

1.  To  open  and  close  its  sessions; 
to  be  the  judge  of  the  election  of 
its  members,  upon  examination  of 
their  credentials,  and  to  receive 
from  them  the  promise  of  law. 

2.  To  call  the  respective  substi- 
tutes to  fill  the  places  of  the 
deputies,  in  cases  of  absolute  va- 
cancy, or  of  legal  impediment,  and 
to  order  elections  to  be  held  to  till 
the  vacancies. 

3.  To  accept  the  resignations  of 
its  members  when  made  upon  legal 
causes  duly  proven. 

4.  To  make  rules  for  its  interior 
government. 

5.  To  enact,  interpret,  amend, 
and  repeal  the  laws. 

6.  To  create  or  abolish  offices 
and  grant  pensions  and  honors. 

7.  To  grant  amnesties  when  pub- 
lic utility  may  demand  it. 

8.  To  grant  pardons  and  com- 
mutations of  sentences  upon  just 
and  equitable  reasons. 

9.  To  appoint  justices  of  the  su- 
preme court  and  accept  or  refuse 
to  accept  their  resignations. 

10.  To  provide  everything  relat- 
ing to  the  safety  and  defense  of  the 
Republic. 

11.  To  count  the  votes  for  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic,  and  to  declare 
elected  the  citizen  who  obtained 
absolute  majority. 

12.  If  no  absolute  majority  has 
been  obtained,  Congress  shall  elect 
President  one  of  the  three  citizens 
having  the  greatest  number  of 
popular  votes. 

13.  To  receive  the  constitutional 
promise  from  the  functionaries 
elected  or  declared  elected  by  it, 
and  to  accept  or  refuse  to  accept 
their  resignations. 

14.  To  declare  that  the  Presi- 
dent, deputies,  justices  of  the  su- 


372 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


Diputados,  Magistrados  de  la 
Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia,  Secre- 
taries de  Estado  y  Agentes  Diplo- 
maticos,  durante  sus  funciones. 

15.  Cambiar  la  residencia  de  los 
Supremos  Poderes  por  causas 
graves. 

16.  Decretar  premios  y  conceder 
pri  vilegios  tempo  rales  a  los  auto  res 
e  inventores  y  a  los  que  hayan  in- 
troducido  6  perfeccionado  indus- 
trias  de  utilidad  general. 

17.  Acordar  subvenciones  para 
objetos  de  utilidad  publica. 

18.  Conceder  6  negar  permiso  a 
los  hondurenos  para  aceptar  em- 
pleos  de  otra  nacion. 

19.  Aprobar  6  improbar  la  con- 
ducta  del  Ejecutivo. 

20.  Aprobar,  modificar  6  im- 
probar las  contratas  celebradas  y 
las  concesiones  otorgadas  por  el 
Poder  Ejecutivo  para  los  fines  in- 
dicados  en  el  articulo  140  6  cuando 
hayan  de  prolongar  sus  efectos  al 
siguiente  periodo  presidencial. 

21.  Aprobar,  modificar  6  im- 
probar los  tratados  celebrados  con 
las  demas  naciones. 

22.  Reglamentar  el  comercio 
maritimo  y  terrestre. 

23.  Aprobar  6  improbar  las 
cuentas  de  los  gastos  piiblicos. 

24.  Fijar  bienalmente  el  Presu- 
puesto  de  gastos,  tomando  por 
base  los  ingresos  probables. 

25.  Imponer  6  suprimir  contri- 
buciones. 

26.  Contraer  deudas  nacionales, 
reglar  el  pago  de  las  existentes  y 
decretar  emprestitos. 

27.  Decretar  la  enajenacion  de 
los  bienes  nacionales  6  su  aplica- 
cion  a  usos  piiblicos. 

28.  Habilitar  puertos,  crear  y 
suprimir  aduanas. 

29.  Decretar  el  peso,  ley  y  tipo 
de  la  moneda  nacional. 

30.  Decretar  la  guerra  y  hacer 
la  paz. 


preme  court,  secretaries  of  state, 
and  diplomatic  agents  should  be 
criminally  prosecuted  during  the 
exercise  of  their  functions. 

15.  To  change  for  grave  reasons, 
the  residence  of  the  supreme  pow- 
ers. 

16.  To  grant  rewards  and  tem- 
porary privileges  to  authors  and 
inventors,  and  to  those  who  have 
introduced  or  improved  industries 
of  general  utility. 

17.  To  grant  subsidies  for  ob- 
jects of  public  utility. 

18.  To  grant  or  refuse  permis- 
sion to  Honduraneans  to  accept 
office  from  another  nation. 

19.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
the  conduct  of  the  Executive. 

20.  To  approve,  amend,  or  dis- 
approve the  contracts  entered  into 
and  the  concessions  granted  by 
the  Executive  for  the  purposes 
stated  in  article  140,  or  when  the 
said  contracts  and  concessions 
cover  a  period  extending  to  the 
next  presidential  term. 

21.  To  approve,  amend,  or  dis- 
approve the  treaties  concluded 
with  other  nations. 

22.  To  regulate  the  commerce 
by  land  and  sea. 

23.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
the  accounts  of  the  public  ex- 
penses. 

24.  To  prepare  every  two  years 
the  budget,  taking  as  a  basis  the 
probable  receipts. 

25.  To  levy  or  abolish  taxes. 

26.  To  contract  national  debts, 
provide  for  the  payment  of  those 
in  existence,  and  order  loans  to  be 
made. 

27.  To  order  the  sale  of  national 
property,  or  the  application  there- 
of to  public  uses. 

28.  To  establish  ports  of  entrjr 
and  create  or  abolish  custom- 
houses. 

29.  To  fix  the  weight,  fineness, 
and  type  of  the  national  coin. 

30.  To  declare  war  and  make 
peace. 


CONSTITUTION. 


373 


31.  Fijar  en  cada  reunion  ordi- 
naria  el  numero  de  fuerzas  del 
Eje*rcito  permanente. 

32.  Permitir  6  negar  el  transito 
de  tropas  de  otro  pais  por  el  terri- 
torio  de  la  Republica. 

33.  Declarar  en  estado  de  sitio 
la  Republica,  6  parte  de  ella,  con- 
forme  a  la  ley. 

34.  Conferir  los  grados  de  Ge- 
neral de  Brigada  y  de  Division,  a 
iniciativa  del  Ejecutivo. 

35.  Conceder  cartas  de  natura- 
lizacion  a  los  extranjeros. 

36.  Nombrar  los  raiembros  del 
Tribunal  de  Cuentas. 

37.  Llamar  a  los  Secretarios  de 
Estado  para  pedirles  los  informes 
que  estime  convenientes,  sobre 
asuntos  de  la  competencia  del  Con- 
greso,  y  con  indicacion  del  objeto 
del  llaraamiento. 

Art.  74.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
no  podra  suplir  6  declarar  el  estado 
civil  de  las  personas,  ni  conceder 
titulos  academicos  y  literarios. 

Art.  75.  El  Congreso  podra  de- 
legar  en  el  Ejecutivo  la  facultad  de 
legislar,  determinandole  las  leyes 
que  perentoriamente  exija  la  ne- 
cesidad  6  la  conveniencia  publica. 

TITULO  IX. 

DE   LA   FORMACION,   SANCION    Y 
PR0MULGACT6n  DE  LA  LEY. 

Art.  76.  Tienen  exclusivamente 
la  iniciativa  de  la  ley,  los  Diputa- 
dos,  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica, 
por  medio  de  los  Secretarios  de 
Estado,  y  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia  en  asuntos  de  su  compe- 
tencia. 

Art.  77.  Mngun  proyecto  de 
ley  sera  definitivamente  votado, 
sino  despues  de  tres  deliberaciones 
efectuadas  en  distintos  dias,  salvo 
el  caso  de  urgencia  calificada  por 
dos  tercios  de  votos.  Tovi<*  pro- 
position que  tenga  por  objeto  de- 
clarar la  urgencia  de  una  ley,  debe 


31.  To  fix  in  each  ordinary  ses- 
sion the  strength  of  the  perma- 
nent army. 

32.  To  grant  or  refuse  per- 
mission to  foreign  troops  to  pass 
through  the  territory  of  the  Re- 
public, i 

33.  To  declare,  according  to  law, 
the  whole  Republic,  or  a  portion 
thereof,  in  a  state  of  siege. 

34.  To  appoint  brigadier-gen- 
erals and  major-generals,  upon 
nomination  by  the  Executive. 

35.  To  grant  letters  of  natural- 
ization. 

36.  To  appoint  the  members  of 
the  tribunal  of  accounts. 

37.  To  summon  the  secretaries 
of  state  to  appear  before  it  and 
give  information  upon  subjects 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  Con- 
gress, but  the  object  of  the  in- 
quiry shall  be  mentioned  in  the 
summons. 

Art.  74.  The  legislative  power 
shall  not  make  or  complete  any 
declaration  in  regard  to  the  civil 
status  of  any  person,  nor  shall  it 
grant  academic  or  literary  degrees. 

Art.  75.  Congress  may  delegate 
to  the  Executive  the  power  to  leg- 
islate stating  distinctly  the  laws 
which  necessity  or  public  good 
may  peremptorily  demand. 

TITLE  IX. 

THE  ENACTMENT,  APPROVAL  AND 
PROMULGATION  OF  LAWS. 

Art.  76.  The  initiative  in  legis- 
lative matters  exclusively  belongs 
to  the  deputies,  the  President  of 
the  Republic  through  the  secre- 
taries of  state,  and  the  supreme 
court  of  justice  in  matters  belong- 
ing to  its  jurisdiction. 

Art.  77.  No  bill  shall  become  a 
law  without  having  been  discussed 
three  times  on  different  days,  ex- 
cept in  case  of  urgency  declared  to 
exist  by  a  two-thirds  vote.  Every 
resolution  introduced  for  the  pur- 
pose of  declaring  the  discussion  of 
the  bill  to  be  urgent  shall  be  pre- 


374 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


ir  precedida  de  una  exposicion  de 
los  motivos  en  que  aquel  la  se 
funde. 

Art.  78.  Todo  proyecto  de  ley, 
una  vez  aprobado  por  el  Congreso, 
sepasaraal  Ejecutivo,  a  mas  tardar, 
dentro  de  tres  dias  de  haber  sido 
votado,  a  fin  de  que  le  de  su  sancion 
y  lo  haga  promulgar  como  ley. 

Art.  79.  La  promulgacion  de  la 
ley  se  hara  con  esta formula:  "Por 
tanto:  ejecutese." 

Art.  80.  Si  el  Poder  Ejecutivo 
encontrare  inconvenientes  para 
sancionar  el  pro}Tecto  de  ley,  lo 
devolvera  al  Congreso  dentro  de 
diez  dias,  con  esta  formula: 
"  Vuelva  al  Congreso;"  exponien- 
do  las  razones  en  que  funde  su 
desacuerdo.  Si  en  el  termino  ex- 
presado  no  lo  objetare,  se  tendra 
por  sancionado  y  lo  promulgara 
como  ley.  Cuando  el  Ejecutivo 
devolviere  el  proyecto,  el  Congreso 
lo  sujetara  a  una  nueva  delibera- 
cion;  y  si  fuere  ratificado  con  dos 
tercios  de  votos,  lo  pasara  de 
nuevo  al  Ejecutivo,  con  esta  for- 
mula: "Ratificado  constitucional- 
mente;"  y  aquel  lo  publicara  sin 
tardanza. 

Art.  81.  Cuando  el  Congreso 
vote  un  proyecto  de  ley  al  terminal* 
sus  sesiones,  y  el  Ejecutivo  crea 
inconveniente  sancionarlo,  esta 
obligado  a  dar  aviso  inmediata- 
mente  al  Congreso,  para  que  per- 
manezca  reunido  hasta  diez  dias, 
contados  desde  la  fecha  en  que 
aquel  recibio  el  proyecto;  y  no 
haciendolo,  se  tendra  la  ley  por 
sancionada. 


Art.  82.  No  es  necesaria  la  san- 
cion del  Ejecutivo  en  los  actos  6 
resoluciones  siguientes: 

1.  En  las  elecciones  que  el  Con- 
greso haga  6  declare,  y  en  las 
renuncias  que  admita  6  deseche. 

2.  En  las  declaratorias  de  haber 
lugar  a  formation  de  causa. 

3.  En  la  Ley  de  Presupuesto. 


ceded  b}T  an   explanation  of   the 
reasons  upon  which  it  is  founded. 

Art.  78.  Every  bill  after  hav- 
ing been  passed  by  Congress  shall 
be  sent  to  the  Executive,  at  the 
latest  within  three  days  after  its 
passage,  in  order  that  it  may  be 
approved  and  promulgated  as  law. 

Abt.  79.  The  promulgation  of 
laws  shall  be  maae  in  this  form: 
"Therefore  let  it  be  executed." 

Art.  80.  If  the  Executive  finds 
it  inadvisable  to  approve  a  bill  it 
shall  return  it  to  Congress  within 
ten  days,  using  this  form:  "Let  it 
be  returned  to  Congress,"  and  ex- 
plaining the  reasons  upon  which  its 
action  is  founded.  If  no  objection 
is  made  to  a  bill  within  the  period 
just  stated,  it  shall  be  considered 
approved  and  shall bepromulgated 
as  law.  When  the  Executive  re- 
turns a  bill,  Congress  shall  submit 
it  to  a  new  discussion,  and  if 
passed  by  a  two-thirds  vote,  it 
shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Execu- 
tive using  this  form:  "Constitu- 
tionally ratified."  The  Executive 
shall  then  publish  it  without  de- 
lay. 

Art.  81.  When  Congress  passes 
a  bill  at  the  end  of  its  session  and 
the  Executive  does  not  deem  it 
advisable  to  approve  it,  notice 
thereof  shall  be  given  immediately 
to  Congress,  in  order  that  it  may 
remain  in  session  ten  days  longer, 
said  period  to  be  counted  from  the 
date  on  which  the  Executive  re- 
ceived the  bill.  Should  the  Exec- 
utive fail  to  complv  with  this  pro- 
vision, the  bill  shall  be  considered 
approved. 

Art.  82.  The  following  meas- 
ures of  Congress  shall  not  require 
the  approval  of  the  Executive: 

1.  Elections  which  Congress 
makes  or  declares,  and  the  accept- 
ance or  non  acceptance  of  resigna- 
tions. 

2.  Resolutions  allowing  crimi- 
nal proceedings  to  be  instituted. 

3.  Appropriation  laws. 


CONSTITUTION. 


375 


4.  En  los  decretos  que  se  refie- 
ren  a  la  conducta  del  Ejecutivo. 

5.  En  los  reglamentos  que  ex- 
pida  para  su  regimen  interior. 

6.  En  los  acuerdos  para  trasla- 
dar  su  residencia  a  otro  lugar  tem- 
poralmente,  y  para  suspender  sus 
sesiones. 

7.  En  los  tratados,  contratas  y 
concesiones  que  impruebe  el  Con- 
greso. 

Art.  83.  Siempre  que  un  pro- 
yecto  de  ley,  que  no  proceda  de 
iniciativa  de  la  Corte  Suprema, 
tenga  por  objeto  reformar  6  dero- 
gar  las  disposiciones  contenidas  en 
los  Codigos  de  la  Republica  u  otra 
cualquiera  relativa  a  la  administra- 
cion  de  Justicia,  no  podra  discu- 
tirse  sin  oir  la  opinion  de  aquel 
Tribunal.  La  Corte  emitira  su 
informe  en  el  termino  que  el  Con- 
greso  le  senale. 

TITUXO  X. 
DEL  PODER  EJECUTIVO. 

Art.  84.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo  se 
ejerce  por  un  ciudadano  que  se 
denomina  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica. 

Art.  85.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  debe  ser  hondureno 
natural,  ciudadano  en  ejercicio  de 
sus  derechos,  y  mayor  de  treinta 
anos. 

Art.  86.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  sera  electo  popular  y 
directamente,  y  su  eleccion  sera 
declarada  6  hecha'por  el  Congreso, 
como  queda  prescrito. 

Art.  87.  El  periodo  presidencial 
sera  de  seis  anos  y  comenzara  el 
primero  de  Febrero.  El  ciuda- 
dano que  hubiere  ejercido  la  presi- 
dencia  en  propiedad,  no  podra  ser 
reelecto  para  el  siguiente  periodo. 

Art.  88.  En  caso  de  impedi- 
mento  temporal  del  Presidente  de 
la  Republica,  este  depositara  el 
Poder  en  el  Consejo  de  Secretarios 
de  Estado  6  en  cualquiera  de  ellos, 
a  su  eleccion. 


4.  Decrees  relating  to  the  con- 
duct of  the  Executive. 

5.  Rules  for  the  interior  gov- 
ernment of  Congress. 

6.  Resolutions  transferring  the 
residence  of  Congress  temporarily 
to  some  other  place,  or  adjourning 
its  meetings. 

7.  •  Resolutions  disapproving 
treaties, contracts,  and  concessions. 

Art.  83.  Whenever  a  bill  not 
originally  emanating  from  the 
supreme  court  has  for  its  object 
the  reform  or  repeal  of  any  pro- 
vision in  the  codes  of  the  Republic 
or  of  any  law  relating  to  the  ad- 
ministration of  justice,  the  opinion 
of  that  court  shall  be  requested, 
before  entering  into  its  discussion. 
The  court  shall  give  its  opinion 
within  the  time  which  Congress 
may  fix. 

TITLE  X. 

THE  EXECUTIVE. POWER. 

Art.  84.  The  executive  power 
is  vested  in  a  citizen  who  shall  be 
called  the  President  of  the  Re- 
public. 

Art.  85.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  be  a  native  Hondu- 
ranean  and  a  citizen  in  the  full 
exercise  of  his  rights,  and  over 
thirty  years  of  age. 

Art.  86.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  be  elected  directly 
by  the  people,  and  his  election 
shall  be  declared  or  made  by  Con- 
gress, as  has  been  prescribed. 

Art.  87.  The  presidential  term 
shall  be  six  years,  to  begin  on  the 
first  of  February.  The  citizen 
who  has  been  President  can  not  be 
reelected  for  the  following  period. 

Art.  88.  In  case  of  temporary 
impediment  of  the  President  of 
the  Republic,  the  executive  power 
shall  be  vested  in  the  council  of 
secretaries  of  state,  or  in  any  one 
of  the  secretaries,  as  the  President 
may  prefer. 


376 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


Si  la  falta  es  absoluta,  el  Poder 
Ejecutivo  quedara  a  cargo  del  Con- 
sejo  de  Secretarios  de  Estado,  quien 
inmediatamente  convocara  a  elec- 
ciones  de  Presidente,  las  que  se 
practicaran  a  mas  tardar  un  mes 
despu^s  de  ocurrida  la  vacante. 
Tambi^n  convocara  al  Congreso  a 
sesiones  extraordinarias  para  que 
se  reuna  un  mes  despues  de  prac- 
ticadas  las  elecciones,  y  el  Presi- 
dente electo  tomara  posesion  de  su 
cargo,  dentro  de  un  mes  de  decla- 
rada  6  verificada  su  eleccion;  en 
este  caso,  el  periodo  presidencial 
comenzara  desde  la  fecha  en  que 
tome  posesion. 

Art.  89.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  tiene  para  el  despacho 
de  los  negocios,  de  tres  a  seis  Se- 
cretarios a  quienes  designara  sus 
respectivos  departamentos. 

Art.  90.  Para  ser  Secretario  de 
Estado  se  requiere  ser  mayor  de 
veinticinco  anos,  hondureno  na- 
tural, y  ciudadano  en  ejercicio  de 
sus  derechos. 


Art.  91.  El  Secretario  de  Es- 
tado refrenda  los  actos  del  Pre- 
sidente de  la  Republica,  sin  cujto 
requisite  carecen  de  validez;  no 
ejerce  autoridad  por  si  solo,  y  es 
responsable  solidariamente  de  los 
actos  que  legalize  y  de  los  que 
acuerde  con  sus  colegas,  salvo  el 
caso  que  proteste. 


Art.  92.  Los  Secretarios  de 
Estado  presentaran  al  Congreso, 
en  los  primeros  quince  dias  de  sus 
sesiones  ordinarias,  informes  de- 
tallados  y  comprobados  sobre  los 
actos  del  Ejecutivo,  en  cada  uno 
de  los  respectivos  ramos  de  la 
Administracion  Publica.  Estos  i  n- 
t'ormes  serviran  de  base  al  Con- 
greso para  que  juzgue  la  conducta 
del  Ejecutivo  en  todo  aquello  que 


If  the  vacancy  is  absolute,  the 
executive  power  shall  be  vested 
in  the  council  of  secretaries  of 
state,  who  shall  immediately  order 
a  presidential  election  to  be  held, 
at  the  latest  one  month  after  the 
vacancy  occurred.  The  Council 
shall  also  call  an  extra  session  of 
Congress,  to  be  held  one  month 
after  the  election,  and  the  President 
elect  shall  take  possession  of  his 
office  within  one  month  after  his 
election  is  declared  or  made;  and 
in  this  case  the  presidential  period 
shall  begin  on  the  day  of  his  inau- 
guration. 

Art.  89.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  have  for  the  trans- 
action of  business  from  three  to 
six  secretaries,  to  whom  the  re- 
spective departments  of  the  Gov- 
ernment shall  be  entrusted. 

Art.  90.  To  be  a  secretary  of 
state  the  following  shall  be  re- 
quired: to  be  over  twenty -five 
years  of  age,  to  be  a  native  Hondu- 
ranean,  and  to  be  a  citizen  in  the 
full  exercise  of  the  rights  of  citi- 
zenship. 

Art.  91.  The  secretaries  of  state 
shall  countersign  the  acts  of  the 
President  of  the  Republic,  which, 
if  lacking  this  requisite,  shall  have 
no  validity.  The  secretaries  do 
not  exercise  authority  by  them- 
selves, and  are  jointly  responsible 
with  their  colleagues,  except  in 
case  of  protest,  for  all  the  acts 
countersigned  by  them  or  agreed 
upon  with  the  other  members  of 
the  cabinet. 

Art.  92.  The  secretaries  of  state 
shall  submit  to  Congress  during 
the  first  fifteen  days  of  the  ordinary 
session  a  report,  supported  by  the 
proper  vouchers,  upon  the  acts  of 
the  Executive  in  every  branch  of 
the  public  administration.  These 
reports  shall  serve  Congress  as  a 
basis  for  passing  judgment  upon 
the  conduct  of  the  Executive  on 
all  matters  which,  according  to  the 


CONSTITUTION. 


377 


por  la  Constitution  le  corresponda 
aprobar  6  improbar. 

Art.  93.  Los  Secretaries  de 
Estado  tienen  el  deber  de  dar  los 
informes  que  les  pida  el  Congreso 
en  el  caso  del  numero  37  del  arti- 
culo  73,  exceptuando  los  de  los 
ram  os  de  Guerra  y  de  Relation  es 
Exteriores,  cuando  el  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  juzgue  necesaria 
la  reserva.  Pueden  tambien  con- 
currir  a  las  sesiones  del  Congreso 
y  tomar  parte  en  sus  delibera- 
ciones,  sin  voto. 

Art.  94.  Ningun  Secretario  de 
Estado  puede  ser  candidate  a  la 
Presidencia  de  la  Republica  mien- 
tras  se  encuentre  en  ejercicio  de 
sus  funciones. 

Art.  95.  Los  Subsecretarios  de 
Estado  deben  tener  las  mismas  con- 
diciones  que  los  Secretarios. 

Cuando  por  falta  de  Ministros 
sea  autorizado  el  Subsecretario 
del  Despacho  para  refrendar  las 
disposiciones  del  Poder  Ejecutivo, 
sera  responsable  de  los  actos  que 
ref  rende  de  la  misma  manera  que 
los  Ministros. 


Constitution,  are  subject  to  Con- 
gressional approval  or  disap- 
proval. 

Art.  93.  The  secretaries  of  state 
are  bound  to  give  Congress,  in  the 
cases  set  forth  in  clause  37  of 
article  73,  all  the  information  re- 
quested of  them,  except  in  matters 
belonging  to  the  departments  of 
war  and  foreign  relations,  which 
the  President  of  the  Republic 
majT  consider  advisable  to  keep  se- 
cret. They  may  attend  the  meet- 
ings of  Congress  and  take  part  in 
the  debates,  but  shall  have  no  vote. 

Art.  94.  No  secretary  of  state 
shall  be  a  candidate  for  the  Presi- 
dency of  the  Republic  as  long  as 
he  remains  in  the  exercise  of  his 
functions. 

Art.  95.  The  assistant  secre- 
taries of  state  shall  have  the  same 
qualifications  as  the  secretaries. 

When,  through  absence  of  a 
secretary,  an  assistant  secretary  is 
called  to  countersign  the  acts  of 
the  Executive,  he  shall  be  respon- 
sible for  said  acts  in  the  same  way 
as  a  secretary. 


TITTJL.O   XI. 

DE  LAS  ATRIBUOIONES  DEL  PODER 
EJECUTIVO. 

Art.  96.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  tiene  la  administration 
general  del  pais. 

Son  sus  atribuciones: 

1.  Ejecutar  y  hacer  cumplir  las 
leyes,  expidiendo  al  efecto  los  de- 
cretos  y  ordenes  conducentes,  sin 
alterar  el  espiritu  de  aquellas. 

2.  Admitir,  en  receso  del  Con- 
greso, las  renuncias  de  los  Magis- 
trados  de  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia  y  en  este  caso  nombrar 
interinamente  los  Magistrados  que 
deben  sustituirlos.  Igual  nom- 
bramiento  hara  en  los  casos  de 
muerte  6  impedimento  absoluto  de 
los  individuos  de  la  Corte  Suprema 
de  Justicia. 


TITLE  XI. 

FACULTIES   OF    THE    EXECUTIVE 
POWER. 

Art.  96.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  have  the  administra- 
tion of  the  general  government  of 
the  country.     His  powers  are: 

1.  To  execute  and  cause  others 
to  execute  the  laws,  issuing  to  that 
effect  whatever  orders  and  decrees 
may,  without  changing  their  spirit, 
be  conducive  to  said  purpose. 

2.  To  accept  during  the  recess  of 
Congress  the  resignations  of  the 
justices  of  the  supreme  court  and 
to  appoint  ad  interim  those  who 
shall  replace  them.  The  same  fac- 
ulties shall  be  exercised  in  cases  of 
death  or  absolute  impediment  of 
the  same  justices. 


378 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


3.  Nombrar  los  empleados  del 
Departamento  Ejecutivo,  con- 
forme  a  la  ley. 

4.  Velar  por  que  todos  los  em- 
pleados de  la  Repiiblica  cumplan 
los  deberes  que  la  ley  les  impone, 
respetando  la  independencia  de  sus 
funciones. 

5.  Remover  a,  los  empleados  de 
su  libre  nombramiento. 

6.  Conceder  amnistias,  indultos 
y  conmutar  las  penas,  como  el 
Congreso,  en  receso  de  e"ste. 

7.  Conceder  a  sus  empleados 
licencia,  jubilaciones,  retiros  y 
goces  de  montepios,  conforme  a 
las  leyes. 

8.  Convocar  al  Congreso  a  se- 
siones  extraordinarias,  cuando  un 
grave  interes  general  lo  requiera. 

9.  Dar  cuenta  en  un  Mensaje 
al  Congreso,  al  abrir  sus  sesiones 
ordinarias,  del  estado  general  de 
la  Admin  istracion  Piiblica  y  del 
uso  que  hay  a  hecho  de  las  facul- 
tades  que  se  le  hubiesen  delegado. 

10.  Dar  a  los  funcionarios  del 
Poder  Judicial  los  auxilios  y  f  uer- 
zas  que  necesiten  para  hacer  efec- 
tivas  sus  providencias. 

11.  Conceder  cartas  de  naturali- 
zacion,  en  receso  del  Congreso. 

12.  Conceder  6  negar  permiso 
a  los  hondurenos,  en  receso  del 
Congreso,  para  admitir  empleos 
de  otra  nacion. 

13.  Sancionar  las  leyes,  usar  del 
veto  en  los  casos  que  corresponde,  y 
promulgar  sin  demora  aquellas  dis- 
posiciones  legislativas  que  no  nece- 
sitan  de  la  sancion  del  Ejecutivo. 

14.  Mandar  reponer  las  vacantes 
de  los  Diputados,  en  receso  del 
Congreso,  de  conformidad  con  la 
ley,  a  mas  tardrr  un  mes  despues 
de  haber  ocurndo. 

15.  Nombrar  interinamente,  en 
receso  del  Congreso,  los  miembros 
del  Tribunal  de  Cuentas. 

16.  Vigilar  sobre  la  exactitud 
legal  de  la  moneda  y  cuidar  de  la 
uniformidad  de  pesas  y  medidas. 


3.  To  appoint,  according  to  law, 
the  employees  of  the  Executive 
Department. 

4.  To  see  that  every  employee 
of  the  Republic  fulfils  the  duties 
which  the  law  imposes  upon  him, 
respecting,  however,  the  indepen- 
dence of  their  functions. 

5.  To  remove  the  officers  whose 
appointment  solely  belongs  to 
him. 

6.  To  grant  amnesties,  pardons, 
and  commutations  of  sentences 
during  the  recess  of  Congress. 

7.  To  grant  to  the  executive 
employees  leaves  of  absence  and 
pensions  of  all  kinds,  and  place 
them,  according  to  law,  on  the  re- 
tired list. 

8.  To  call  an  extra  session  of 
Congress  when  matters  of  grave 
general  interest  may  require  it. 

9.  To  report  to  Congress,  by 
means  of  a  message,  at  the  open- 
ing of  the  ordinary  session,  on  the 
general  condition  of  public  busi- 
ness and  the  use  he  may  have  made 
of  the  powers,  if  an}',  granted  him. 

10.  To  render  to  the  function- 
aries of  the  judicial  power  the 
assistance  which  may  be  needed  to 
enforce  their  decisions. 

11.  To  grant  naturalization  dur- 
ing the  recess  of  Congress. 

12.  To  grant  or  refuse  permis- 
sion to  Honduraneans,  during  the 
recess  of  Congress,  to  accept  em- 
ployment from  another  nation. 

13.  To  approve  the  laws,  veto 
them,  when  proper,  and  promul- 
gate without  delay  the  legislative 
acts  which  do  not  require  Execu- 
tive approval. 

14.  To  cause  during  the  recess 
of  Congress,  the  vacant  seats  of 
deputies  to  be  filled  according  to 
law,  one  month  at  the  latest  after 
the  vacancy  occurred. 

15.  To  appoint  ad  interim  dur- 
ing the  recess  of  Congress  the  mem- 
bers of  the  tribunal  of  accounts. 

16.  To  watch  over  the  legal 
exactness  of  the  coin,  and  the  uni- 
formity of  weights  and  measures. 


CONSTITUTION. 


379 


17.  Ejercerlasupremadirecciou 
de  la  Policia  de  seguridad. 

18.  Conferir  gradOs  rnilitares 
desde  Subteniente  hasta  Coronel, 
y  los  de  General  de  tfrigada  y  de 
Division  en  el  campo  de  batalla,  a 
los  militares  que  tengan  una  con- 
ducta  distinguida. 

19.  Disponer  de  las  fuerzas  mi- 
litares organizadas  y  distribuirlas 
de  confornridad  con  la  ley,  segun 
las  necesidades  de  la  Republica. 

20.  Declarar  la  guerra  y  hacer 
la  paz,  y  permitir  o  negar  el  tran- 
sito  de  tropas  de  otro  pais  por  el 
territorio  de  la  Republica,  cuando 
las  circunstancias  no  permitan  la 
reunion  del  Congreso  para  que  lo 
resuelva. 

21.  Declarar  en  estado  de  sitio 
la  Republica  6  parte  de  ella,  en 
receso  del  Congreso,  de  conformi- 
dad con  la  ley,  debiendo  dar  cuenta 
al  Congreso,  en  su  primera  reunion, 
del  uso  que  hubiere  hecho  de  esta 
faeultad. 

22.  Defender  la  independencia, 
el  honor  de  la  Nacion  y  la  integri- 
dad  de  su  territorio. 

23.  Conservar  la  paz  y  seguri- 
dad interior  de  la  Republica  y 
repeler  todo  ataque  6  agresion 
exterior. 

24.  Conceder  patentes  de  corso 
y  cartas  de  represalia. 

25.  Celebrar  tratados  y  cuales- 
quiera  otras  negociaciones  diplo- 
maticas,  sometiendolos  a  la  ratifi- 
cacion  del  Congreso  en  las  proximas 
sesiones. 

26.  Dirigir  las  relaciones  exte- 
riores,  nombrar  los  Agentes  Diplo- 
matics y  Consulares  de  la  Re- 
publica, recibir  los  Ministros  y 
admitir  los  Consules  de  las  naciones 
extranjeras. 

27.  Hacer  que  se  recauden  las 
rentas  del  Estado  y  reglamentar 
su  inversion,  con  arreglo  a  la  ley. 

28.  Decretar  en  los  casos  de  in- 
vasion 6  rebelion,  si  los  recursos 
del   Estado  fueren    insuficientes, 


17.  To  exercise  the  supreme  di- 
rection of  the  police. 

18.  To  give  military  positions, 
from  second  lieutenant  to  colonel, 
to  military  men  who  distinguish 
themselves  for  their  services.  The 
positions  of  brigadier-general  and 
General  of  Division  can  be  granted 
by  him  on  the  battlefield. 

19.  To  dispose  of  the  organized 
military  forces  and  distribute  them 
according  to  law  and  as  the  necessi- 
ties of  the  Republic  may  require. 

20.  To  declare  war  and  make 
peace,  and  to  allow  or  refuse  for- 
eign troops  to  cross  the  territory  of 
the  Republic,  when  circumstances 
do  not  permit  the  assembling  of 
Congress. 

21.  To  declare  the  whole  Re- 
public or  a  portion  thereof  in  a 
state  of  siege,  in  conformity  with 
the  law,  during  the  recess  of  Con- 
gress; but  he  shall  have  to  report 
to  Congress  at  its  first  meeting  on 
the  use  made  by  him  of  this  power. 

22.  To  defend  the  independence 
and  honor  of  the  Nation  and  the 
integrity  of  its  territory. 

23.  To  preserve  the  peace  and 
internal  security  of  the  Republic 
and  to  repel  external  attacks  or 
aggression. 

24.  To  grant  letters  of  marque 
and  reprisal. 

25.  To  conclude  treaties  and 
all  other  diplomatic  compacts,  sub- 
mitting them  for  ratification  to 
Congress  at  its  next  session. 

26.  To  conduct  the  foreign  rela- 
tions of  the  Republic,  appoint  its 
diplomatic  and  consular  agents, 
receive  foreign  ministers,  and  ad- 
mit consuls  of  other  nations. 

27.  To  cause  the  revenues  of  the 
state  to  be  collected,  and  make 
rules  for  their  disbursement  ac- 
cording to  law. 

28.  To  order  in  cases  of  inva- 
sion or  rebellion,  if  the  resources 
of  the  state  are  insufficient,  gen- 


380 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


un  emprestito  general  y  propor- 
cional,  voluntario  6  forzoso,  de 
cuya  inversion  dara  cuenta  al  Con- 
greso  en  sus  proximas  sesiones. 

29.  Publicar  mensualmente  el 
estado  de  ingresos  y  egresos  de  las 
rentas  piiblicas. 

30.  Dar  reglamentos  para  nacio- 
nalizar  y  matricular  buques. 

Art.  97.  El  Presidente  es  el 
Comandante  General  y  General  en 
Jef e  de  las  f uerzas  de  mar  y  tierra 
de  la  Republica. 

Art.  98.  Siempre  que  el  Presi- 
dente de  la  Republica  juzgue  con- 
veniente  ponerse  al  frente  del 
Ejercito,  encargara  del  Poder 
Ejecutivo  a  uno  de  los  Secretaries 
de  Estado,  quien  debe  sustituirlo 
constitucionalmente;  y  quedara 
investido  solo  del  caracter  de  Gene- 
ral en  Jefe  y  con  las  atribuciones 
de  Comandante  General. 


eral  and  proportional  loans,  volun- 
tary or  forced,  to  be  contracted, 
and  Congress  shall  be  informed  at 
its  next  session  of  the  disbursement 
of  the  moneys  so  acquired. 

29.  To  publish  monthly  a  state- 
ment of  the  Government  receipts 
and  expenditures. 

30.  To  make  rules  for  the  na- 
tionalization and  registration  of 
ships. 

Art.  97.  The  President  is  the 
commander  in  chief  of  the  land 
and  sea  forces  of  the  Republic. 

Art.  98.  Whenever  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic  should  deem 
it  advisable  to  place  himself  at  the 
head  of  the  army,  he  shall  intrust 
the  Executive  power  to  one  of  the 
secretaries  of  state,  who  shall  con- 
stitutionally replace  him;  and  the 
President  shall  then  remain  vested 
with  only  the  character  and  powers 
of  commander  in  chief. 


tItulo  xti. 
DEL  PODER  JUDICIAL. 

Art.  99.  El  Poder  Judicial  de 
la  Republica  se  ejercera  por  una 
Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia,  que 
residira  en  la  capital,  y  por  los 
Tribunales  y  Jueces  inf eriores  que 
la  ley  establece.  • 

Art.  100.  La  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia  se  compondra  de  cinco 
Magistrados  electos  por  el  Con- 
greso,  debiendo  ser  ciudadanos  en 
ejercicio  de  sus  derechos,  aboga- 
dos  de  la  Republica  y  mayores  de 
treinta  anos. 

Se  elegiran  igualmente  por  el 
Congreso  tres  Magistrados  su- 
plentes,  que  sustituiran  a  los  pro- 
pietarios,  y  que  deberan  reunir  las 
mismas  condiciones  que  6stos. 

Art.  101.  La  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia  nombrara  los  Magistrados 
de  las  Cortes  de  Apelaciones,  los 
Jueces  inferiores  departamentales 
y  seccionales,  y   los  oliciales  del 


TITLE  XII. 

THE  JUDICIAL  POWER. 

Art.  99.  The  judicial  power  of 
the  Republic  is  vested  in  a  supreme 
court,  which  shall  reside  in  the 
capital,  and  in  the  tribunals  and 
inferior  courts  which  the  law  may 
establish. 

Art.  100.  The  supreme  court 
shall  consist  of  five  justices  elected 
by  Congress,  said  justices  to  be 
citizens  in  the  full  exercise  of  their 
rights  of  citizenship,  lawyers  of 
the  Republic,  and  over  thirty  years 
of  age. 

Congress  shall  elect  every  year 
three  substitute  justices,  who  shall 
take  the  places  of  the  justices  when- 
ever required,  and  shall  have  the 
same  qualifications. 

Art.  101.  The  supreme  court 
shall  appoint,  according  to  law,  the 
justices  of  the  courts  of  appeals, 
the  judges  who  shall  preside  over 
the    departmental    and    sectional 


CONSTITUTION. 


381 


Ministerio  publico  de  conformidad 
con  la  ley.  Los  Jueces  de  Paz 
seran  electos  popularmente  en  el 
te'rmino  municipal  respectivo. 

Art.  102.  No  podran  ser  Ma- 
gistrados  ni  Jueces  en  un  mismo 
Tribunal  las  personas  ligadas  por 
parentesco,  dentro  del  cuarto  grado 
ae  consanguinidad  y  segundo  de 
atinidad.  Si  fueren  nombrados 
dos  6  mas  parientes  en  dicho  grado, 
se  preferira  al  que  hubiere  sido 
nombrado  primero,  y  en  caso  de 
igualidad,  al  abogado  mas  antiguo. 

Art.  103.  El  periodo  de  los 
Magistrados,  Jueces  departamen- 
tales  6  seccionales  y  oficiales  del 
Ministerio  publico  sera  de  seis 
anos,  prorrogables  de  derecho 
hasta  el  nombramiento  de  sus 
sucesores,  y  tomaran  posesion  el 
primero  de  Febrero. 


Art.  104.  La  Corte  Suprema 
admitira  6  no  las  renuncias  de  los 
funcionarios  de  su  nombramiento 
y  concede ra  licencia  tan  to  a  estos 
como  a  sus  propios  miembros. 


Los  Jueces  departamentales  6 
seccionales  admitiran  6  no  las  re- 
nuncias y  concederan  licencias  a 
los  Jueces  de  Paz. 


Art.  105.  La  ley  reglamentara 
la  organizacion  y  atribuciones  de 
los  Tribunales  de  Justicia. 

Art.  106.  La  facultad  de  juzgar 
y  ejecutar  lo  juzgado  pertenece  a 
las  Cortes  y  demas  Tribunales  de 
Justicia.  A  ellos  corresponde  la 
aplicacion  de  las  leyes  en  los  casos 
concretos  que  legalmente  se  some- 
tan  a  su  conocimiento,  y  negarles 
cumplimiento  cuando  sean  contra- 
rios  a  la  Constitucion. 

Art.  107.  La  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia,  ademas  de  las  atribuciones 


courts,  and  the  emplo}rees  of  the 
attornej7 -general's  office.  The  jus- 
tices of  the  peace  shall  be  elected 
by  the  people  in  the  respective 
municipal  districts. 

Art.  102.  Persons  related  to  each 
other  by  blood,  within  the  fourth 
degree,  and  b}'  affinity  within  the 
second,  shall  not  be  members  of 
the  same  tribunal.  If  two  or  more 
relatives  within  the  said  degrees  are 
appointed,  the  one  first  appointed 
shall  be  preferred;  but  if  all  have 
been  appointed  at  the  same  time, 
preference  shall  be  given  to  the 
one  first  admitted  to  the  bar. 

Art.  103.  The  term  of  office  of 
the  justices,  departmental  and  sec- 
tional judges,  and  all  the  function- 
aries of  the  attorney-general's 
office,  shall  be  six  years,  this  period 
to  continue,  however,  in  case  of  its 
expiration  until  the  appointment 
of  their  successors.  They  shall 
take  possession  of  their  offices  on 
the  first  of  February. 

Art.  104.  The  supreme  court 
shall  accept  or  refuse  to  accept 
the  resignations  of  the  function- 
aries appointed  by  it,  and  grant 
leaves  of  absence  both  to  these 
functionaries  and  to  its  own  mem- 
bers. 

The  judges  presiding  over  the 
departmental  or  sectional  courts 
shall  have  power  to  acceptor  refuse 
to  accept  the  resignations  of  the 
justices  of  the  peace,  and  grant 
them  leaves  of  absence. 

Art.  105.  The  law  shall  regu- 
late the  organization  and  powers 
of  the  tribunals  of  justice. 

Art.  106.  The  power  to  render 
judicial  decisions,  and  to  enforce 
them,  belongs  to  the  courts  of  jus- 
tice. They  shall  apply  the  law  to 
the  concrete  cases  legalty  submit- 
ted to  their  cognizance,  and  shall 
refuse  to  compty  with  any  la  w  when 
it  is  contrary  to  the  Constitution. 

Art.  107.  The  supreme  court 
shall    have,    in    addition    to    the 


382 


REPUBLIC  X)F    HONDURAS. 


que  la  ley  le  confiere,  ejercera  las 
siguientes: 

1.  Hacer  su  reglamento  inte- 
rior. 

2.  Conocer  de  los  delitos  ofi- 
ciales  y  comunes  de  los  altos  f  un- 
cionarios  cuando  el  Congreso  los 
haj7a  declarado  con  lugar  a  f orma- 
eion  de  causa. 

3.  Autorizar  a  los  abogados  y 
notarios  recibidos  dentro  6  fuera 
de  la  Republica,  para  el  ejercicio 
de  su  profesion,  salvo  lo  estipulado 
en  los  tratados,  y  suspenderlos  con 
arreglo  a  la  ley. 


4.  Declarar  que  ha  lugar  a  for- 
macion  de  causa  contra  los  miem- 
bros  del  Tribunal  de  Cuentas,  Fis- 
cal General  de  la  Republica,  y 
contra  los  principales  empleados 
nacionales,  departamentales  y  sec- 
cionales  que  la  ley  determine,  por 
los  delitos  que  cometan  en  el  ejer- 
cicio de  sus  funciones. 

5.  Conocer  de  las  causas  de 
presas,  de  extradicion  y  demas 
que  deban  juzgarse  con  arreglo  al 
Derecho  internacional. 

6.  Suspender  disciplinariamente 
y  destituir  a  los  funcionarios 
de  su  nombramiento  por  mala 
conducta  6  por  faltas  graves  en 
el  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones,  me- 
dian te  informacion  sumaria  y  au- 
diencia  del  funcionario  a  quien 
se  trate  de  suspender  6  destituir. 

Art.  108.  La  administracion  de 
justicia  es  gratuita  en  la  Republica. 

Art.  109.  Los  miembros  de  los 
Tribunales  de  Justicia,  durante  su 
periodo,  no  podran  eiercer  nin- 
gun  otro  empleo  que  lleve  anexa 
]urisdiccion. 

Art.  110.  Un  mismo  Juez  no 
puede  serlo  en  diversas  instancias 
en  una  misma  causa. 

Art.  111.  Los  Tribunales  de 
Justicia  podran  requerir  el  auxilio 
de  la  fuerza  armada  para  el  cum- 
pliniiento  de  sus  resoluciones. 

Art.  112.  Ningun  poder  6  au- 


powers  granted  to  it  by  law,  the 
following  faculties: 

1.  To  make  rules  for  its  interior 
government. 

2.  To  take  cognizance  of  the 
cases  of  impeachment,  and  the 
cases  for  common  offenses  insti- 
stuted  against  high  functionaries, 
when  Congress  has  permitted  to 
proceed  against  them. 

3.  To  admit  lawyers  and  nota- 
ries, whether  of  the  Republic  or  of 
foreign  countries,  to  the  practice 
of  their  profession,  unless  some- 
thing else  has  been  stipulated  by 
treaty,  and  to  suspend  them  ac- 
cording to  law. 

4.  To  permit  criminal  proceed- 
ings to  be  instituted  against  the 
members  of  the  tribunal  of  ac- 
counts, the  attorney -general  of  the 
Republic,  and  the  principal  na- 
tional, departmental,  and  sectional 
employees  determined  by  law,  for 
crimes  and  offenses  committed  by 
them  in  the  exercise  of  their  func- 
tions. 

5.  To  take  cognizance  of  prize 
cases,  cases  of  extradition,  and  all 
others  to  be  settled  according  to 
international  law. 

6.  To  suspend  and  remove  pub- 
lic functionaries  for  misconduct 
and  for  grave  faults  in  the  exer- 
cise of  their  functions,  provided 
that  a  summary  investigation  of 
the  facts  and  the  proper  hearing 
of  the  accused  functionary  have 
taken  place. 

Art.  108.  The  administration  of 
justice  is  gratuitousintheRepublic. 

Art.  109.  The  members  of  the 
tribunals  of  justice  shall  be  dis- 
qualified during  their  term  of  office 
from  serving  any  other  position 
carrying  with  it  jurisdiction. 

Art.  110.  The  same  judge  can 
not  take  cognizance  of  the  same 
case  in  different  instances. 

Art.  111.  The  courts  of  justice 
shall  have  the  power  to  demand 
the  assistance  of  the  armed  forces 
to  carry  their  decisions  into  effect. 

Art.  112.  No  power  or  author- 


CONSTITUTION. 


383 


toridad  puede  avocarse  causas  pen- 
dientes,  ni  abrir  juicios  fenecidos. 


TITULO  XIII. 

DEL  EJERCITO. 

Art.  113.  La  fuerza  publica 
esta  instituida  para  asegurar  los 
derechos  de  la  Nacion,  el  cumpli- 
miento  de  la  ley  y  el  rnantenimien- 
to  del  orden  publico. 

Art.  114.  El  servicio  militar  es 
obligatorio.  Todo  hondureno  de 
veintiuno  a  treinta  anos  es  soldado 
del  Ejercito  activo,  y  de  treinta  a 
cuarenta  anos,  de  la  reserva.  La 
ley  hard  la  organ izacion  de  las 
milicias. 

Los  militares  que  tengan  grado 
en  el  Ejercito,  tienen  derecho, 
despues  de  cumplir  los  cuarenta 
anos,  a  renunciar  sus  despachos  y 
quedar  separados  del  servicio. 

Art.  115.  Se  establece  el  fuero 
de  guerra  para  los  delitos  militares. 

Art.  116.  La  fuerza  publica  es 
esencialmente  obediente.  Ningiin 
cuerpo  armado  puede  deliberar. 

TITULO  XIV. 

DEL  PRESUPUESTO. 

Art.  117.  El  Presupuesto  sera 
votado  por  el  Congreso  en  vista 
del  proyecto  que  presente  el  Poder 
Ejecutivo. 

Art.  118.  El  proyecto  de  pre- 
supuesto sera  presentado  por  el 
respectivo  Secretario  de  Estado, 
dentro  de  los  quince  dias  subsi- 
guientes  a  la  instalacion  del  Con- 
greso. 

Art.  119.  Todo  gasto  que  se 
haga  f  uera  del  Presupuesto  es  ile 
gal  y  seran  responsables  solidaria- 
mente  por  la  cantidad  gastada  el 
Presidente,  el  Secretario  de  Estado 
respectivo,  los  miembros  del  Tri- 
bunal de  Cuentas  y  los  empleados 
que  en  el  intervinieren,  si  faltaren 
a  sus  deberes. 


ity  shall  assume  jurisdiction  over 
any  pending  case,  or  reopen  cases 
terminated  and  settled. 

TITLE  XIII. 
THE  ARMY. 

Art.  113.  The  public  force  is 
established  to  insure  the  rights  of 
the  Nation,  the  compliance  with 
the  law,  and  the  preservation  of 
public  order. 

Art.  114.  Military  service  is 
compulsory.  Every  Honduranean 
from  twenty -one  to  thirty  years  of 
age  is  a  soldier  in  the  active  army, 
and  from  thirty  to  forty  in  the  re- 
serve. The  law  shall  provide  for 
the  organization  of  the  militia. 

Military  officers,  after  complet- 
ing forty  years  of  age,  shall  be 
permitted  to  resign  their  com- 
missions and  reenter  civil  life. 

Art.  115.  Military  offenses  shall 
be  subject  to  military  jurisdiction. 

Art.  116.  The  public  force  is 
essentially  obedient.  No  armed 
body  shall  deliberate. 

TITLE  XXV. 
THE  BUDGET. 

Art.  117.  The  budget  shall  be 
voted  by  Congress  upon  estimates 
submitted  to  it  by  the  executive 
power. 

Art.  118.  The  estimates  shall 
be  presented  by  the  respective 
secretaries  of  state  during  the  first 
fifteen  days  immediately  follow- 
ing the  opening  of  Congress. 

Art.  119.  Expenditures  not 
authorized  in  the  budget  are 
illegal,  and  the  President,  the  re- 
spective secretary  of  state,  the 
members  of  the  tribunal  of  ac- 
counts, and  all  the  employees  hav- 
ing had  intervention  in  the  matter, 
shall  be,  in  their  respective  cases, 
jointly  responsible  for  the  amounts 
so  expended. 


384 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


Art.  120.  El  Presupuesto  de 
gastos  ordinarios  de  la  Adminis- 
tracion  Publica  no  podra  exceder 
de  los  ingresos  probables. 


TITULO  XV. 

DEL  TESORO  PtJBLICO. 

Art.  121.  Forman  el  Tesoro 
Publico  de  la  Nacion: 

1°.  Todos  sus  bienes  muebles  y 
raices. 

2°.  Todos  sus  creditos  activos. 

3°.  El  producto  de  los  derechos, 
impuestos  y  contribuciones  na- 
cionales. 

Art.  122.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo 
no  podra  celebrar  contratas  ni 
otorgar  concesiones  de  importan- 
cia  que  comprometan  el  Tesoro 
Nacional,  sin  previa  publicacion 
de  la  propuesta  en  el  periodico 
oficial,  y  licitacion  publica.  Ex- 
ceptiianse  las  que  tengan  por  objeto 
proveer  a  las  necesidades  de  la 
guerra,  y  las  que  por  su  natu- 
raleza  no  puedan  celebrarse  si  no 
es  con  persona  determinada. 

Art.  123.  Para  fiscalizar  la  ad- 
ministration del  Tesoro  National, 
habra  un  Tribunal  Superior  de 
Cuentas,  cuyas  atribuciones  prin- 
cipales  seran:  examinar,  aprobar 
6  improbar  las  cuentas  de  los  que 
administren  fondos  publicos,  y  dar 
curso  6  devolver  al  Ejecutivo  las 
ordenes  sobre  erogaciones,  con- 
forme  a  la  ley. 

Art.  124.  Los  miembros  de  este 
Tribunal  deberan  ser  mayores  de 
veinticinco  anos  y  no  ser  acree- 
dores  ni  deudores  de  la  Hacienda 
Publica,  ni  tener  cuentas  pendien- 
tes  con  ella.  Su  niimero,  organi- 
zation y  atribuciones,  seran  deter- 
minadas  por  la  ley. 

Art.  125.  Habra  un  Fiscal  Ge- 
neral, de  nombramiento  del  Ejecu- 
tivo, que  represente  los  intereses 


Art.  120.  The  appropriations 
made  to  meet  the  ordinary  expen- 
ses of  the  public  administration 
shall  not  exceed  the  amount  of  the 
probable  receipts. 

TITLE  XV. 

THE  PUBLIC  TREASURE. 

Art.  121.  The  public  treasure 
consists  of  the  following: 

1.  All  property,  real  and  per- 
sonal, belonging  to  the  Nation. 

2.  All  its  claims. 

3.  The  duties  on  imports  and  ex- 
ports and  all  other  national  taxes, 
and  imposts. 

Art.  122.  The  executive  power 
shall  not  enter  into  any  contracts 
or  grant  any  concession  of  impor- 
tance pledging  the  national  treas- 
ury, without  previous  publication 
of  the  proposals  in  the  official 
newspaper  and  a  call  for  bids. 
Operations  undertaken  to  meet 
necessities  of  war,  and  business 
which  according  to  its  nature  can 
only  be  transacted  with  determined 
persons,  shall  be  exempted  from 
this  rule. 

Art.  123.  There  shall  be  a  supe- 
rior tribunal  of  accounts,  which 
shall  control  the  management  of 
the  national  treasure,  and  whose 
principal  power  shall  be  to  exam- 
ine, approve,  or  disapprove  the 
accounts  of  all  those  who  adminis- 
ter public  funds,  and  to  allow  or 
disallow  and  return  to  the  Execu- 
tive, according  to  law,  any  requi- 
sition for  funds. 

Art.  124.  The  members  of  the 
tribunal  of  accounts  shall  be  over 
twenty-five  years  of  age,  neither 
creditors  nor  debtors  of  the  public 
treasury,  and  having  no  account 
pending  with  it.  The  organiza- 
tion and  powers  of  this  court  and 
the  number  of  its  members  shall 
be  determined  by  law. 

Art.  125.  There  shall  be  a  so- 
licitor of  the  treasury,  appointed 
by  the  Executive,  who  shall  rep- 


CONSTITUTION. 


385 


de  la  Hacienda  Publica.  Sus  atri- 
buciones  se  deterininaran  por  la 
ley. 


TITULO  XVI. 


resent  and  defend  the  interests  of 
the  Government.  His  powers 
shall  be  determined  by  law. 


TITLE   XVI. 


DEL  GOBIERNO  DEPARTAMENTAL. 

Art.  126.  Para  la  Administra- 
cion  Publica  se  divide  el  territorio 
de  la  Nacion  en  Departamentos, 
cuyo  numero  y  limites  fijara  la 
ley.  En  cada  uno  de  ellos  habra 
los  funcionarios  que  la  misma  ley 
determine. 

Art.  127.  En  el  Gobierno  de- 
partamental,  un  mismo  individuo 
no  podra  ejercer  a  la  vez  f  unciones 
politicas,  militares  y  de  hacienda, 
si  no  es  interinamente  y  por  un 
termino  que  no  exceda  de  tres 
meses. 

Art.  128.  El  regimen  politico, 
judicial,  militar  y  economico  del 
Territorio  de  la  Mosquitia,  podra 
ser  distinto  del  adoptado  para  los 
demas  pueblos  de  la  Republica. 

TITULO  XVII. 

DEL  GOBIERNO  MUNICIPAL. 

Art.  129.  El  municipio  es  au- 
tonomo  y  sera  representado  por 
Municipalidades  electas  directa- 
mente  por  el  pueblo. 

La  ley  reglamentara  la  organi- 
zacion  y  atribuciones  de  las  Muni- 
cipalidades. El  numero  de  los 
municipales  sera  proporcional  a  la 

J)oblaci6n.  Las  atribuciones  de 
as  Municipalidades  seran  pura- 
mente  economicas  y  administra- 
tivas. 

Art.  130.  Las  Municipalidades 
decretaran,  conforme  a  la  ley,  las 
contribuciones  locales,  y  adminis- 
traran  los  f  ondos  y  bienes  de  la  co- 
munidad  en  provecho  de  la  misma, 
rindiendo  cuentas  de  su  adminis- 
tracion  ante  el  Tribunal  que  esta- 
blezca  la  ley.     Deberan  publicar 


THE  DEPARTMENTAL  GOVERN- 
MENT. 

Art.  126.  For  the  proper  ad- 
ministration of  the  government 
the  territory  is  divided  into  De- 
partments, the  number  and  limits 
of  which  shall  be  determined  by 
law.  Each  Department  shall  have 
the  functionaries  which  the  same 
law  may  determine. 

Art.  127.  In  the  departmental 
government  no  one  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  exercise  at  the  same 
time,  unless  ad  interim,  and  for  a 
period  not  to  exceed  three  months, 
political,  military,  and  treasury 
functions. 

Art.  128.  The  political,  judicial, 
militaiy ,  and  economical  regime  of 
the  territory  of  Mosquitia  may  be 
different  from  that  adopted  for  all 
the  other  places  of  the  Republic. 

TITLE  XVII. 

THE  MUNICIPAL  GOVERNMENT. 

Art.  129.  The  municipal  gov- 
ernment is  autonomic,  and  shall 
be  vested  in  municipal  corpora- 
tions directly  elected  by  the  people. 

The  law  shall  regulate  the  or- 
ganization and  powers  of  the  mu- 
nicipal corporations.  The  num- 
ber of  their  members  shall  be  in 
proportion  to  the  population.  The 
powers  of  the  municipal  corpora- 
tions shall  be  purely  economical 
and  administrative.  . 

Art.  130.  The  municipal  cor- 
porations shall  levy,  according  to 
law,  local  taxes,  and  shall  man- 
age the  property  of  the  com- 
munity for  the  benefit  of  the  same, 
rendering  an  account  of  their 
management  to  the  tribunal  es- 
tablished   by    law.      They    shall 


360a— vol  1—06- 


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386 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


anualraente  un  informe  detallado 
de  los  ingresos  y  egresos  de  sus 
fondos. 

Art.  131.  Las  Municipalidades 
nombraran  libremente  los  emplea- 
dos  de  su  dependencia,  y  los 
agentes  de  Policia  que  costeen  con 
sus  propios  fondos. 

Art.  132.  En  el  ejercicio  de  sus 
funciones  privativas,  seran  inde- 
pendientes  de  los  otros  Poderes, 
sin  contrariar  en  ningiin  caso  las 
leyes  generales  del  pais;  y  seran 
responsables  por  los  abusos  que 
cometan,  colectiva  6  individual- 
mente,  ante  las  autoridades  que 
designe  la  ley. 

Art.  133.  Las  Municipalidades 
tienen  las  facultades  deconmutar, 
conforme  a  la  ley,  penas  por  faltas. 

Las  Municipalidades  tambien 
tienen  derecho  de  emitir  acuerdos 
sobre  Policia,  Higiene  e  Instruc- 
cion  Publica,  sin  contrariar  la 
Constitucion  y  las  leyes  generales. 

Art.  134.  Ningun  miembro  de 
las  Municipalidades  podra  ser  obli- 
gado  a  aceptar  otro  nombramiento, 
ni  ser  llamado  al  servicio  niilitar. 

titulo  xvm. 

DISPOSICIONES    COMPLEMENTA- 
RIAS. 

Art.  135.  La  enumeracion  de 
derechos  y  garantias  que  hace  esta 
Constitucion,  no  excluye  otros  de- 
rechos y  garantias  no  enumerados, 
pero  que  nacen  del  principio  de  la 
soberania  del  pueblo  y  de  la  forma 
republicana  de  gobierno. 

Art.  136.  Las  leyes  reglan  el 
uso  de  estas  garantias,  pero  no 
podra  darse  ley  que,  con  ocasion 
de  reglaraentar  u  organizar  su 
ejercicio,  las  disminuya,  restrinja 
6  adultere. 

Art.  137.  Toda  persona  6  re- 
union  de  personas  que  asuma  el 


publish  annually  an  itemized  re- 
port of  receipts  and  expenditures. 

Art.  131.  The  municipal  cor- 
porations shall  freely  appoint  their 
own  employees  and  tnose  police 
agents  whose  salaries  are  to  be  paid 
out  of  municipal  funds. 

Art.  132.  In  the  exercise  of  their 
own  functions  the  municipal  cor- 
porations shall  be  independent  of 
the  other  powers,  but  in  no  case 
shall  they  violate  the  general  laws 
of  the  country.  The}'  shall  be  re- 
sponsible before  the  authorities 
designated  b}r  law  for  any  abuses 
committed  by  them,  collectively  or 
individually. 

Art.  133.  The  municipal  cor- 
porations shall  have  the  power  of 
commuting,  according  to  law,  sen- 
tences imposed  for  misdemeanors. 

The  municipal  corporations  shall 
also  have  the  right  to  take  action 
on  matters  of  police,  hygienics,  and 
public  instruction,  provided  that 
said  action  is  not  in  opposition  to 
the  Constitution  and  general  laws. 

Art.  134.  No  member  of  the 
municipal  corporations  shall  be 
compelled  to  accept  another  posi- 
tion or  be  called  to  the  military 
service. 

TITLE  XVTII. 

SUPPLEMENTARY  PROVISIONS. 


Art.  135.  The  enumeration  of 
rights  and  guaranties  in  this  Con- 
stitution does  not  exclude  other 
rights  and  guaranties  not  enumer- 
ated, but  derived  from  the  princi- 
ple of  the  sovereignty  of  the  people 
and  the  republican  form  of  gov- 
ernment. 

Art.  136.  The  laws  regulate  the 
use  of  these  guaranties,  but  no 
law  shall  be  enacted  which,  under 
pretense  of  regulating  or  organiz- 
ing their  exercise,  should  abridge, 
restrict,  or  adulterate  them. 

Art.  137.  Every  person  or  re- 
union of  persons  assuming  with- 


CONSTITUTION. 


387 


titulo  de  representacion  del  pue- 
blo, se  arrogue  sus  derechos  o  re- 
presente  en  su  nombre,  comete 
sedicion. 

Art.  138.  Toda  autoridad  usur- 
pada  es  ilegal,  y  la  usurpacion 
constituye  un  crimen.  Sus  actos 
son  nulos.  Toda  decision  acor- 
dada  por  intimacion  directa  6  indi- 
recta  de  un  cuerpo  armado  6  de 
una  reunion  del  pueblo,  es  nula 
de  derecho  y  no  tendra  efectos 
legales. 

Art.  139.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica,  los  Diputados,  los  Ma- 
gistrados  de  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia,  los  Secretarios  de  Estado 
y  los  Ministros  Diplomaticos,  res- 
ponderan  ante  el  Congreso  por  los 
delitos  que  cometan  en  el  ejercicio 
de  sus  funciones.  El  Congreso, 
previos  los  tramites  que  determine 
su  Reglamento,  declarara  si  ha 
lugar  a  formacion  de  causa  contra 
ellos,»  para  el  efecto  de  ponerlos  a 
disposicion  del  Tribunal  compe- 
tent^. Igual  declaratoria  sera  ne- 
cesaria  para  proceder  contra  el 
Presidente  de  la  Republica,  los 
Secretarios  de  Estado  y  los  Magis- 
trados  de  la  Corte  Suprema,  por 
delitos  comunes. 


Art.  140.  El  Estado  proveera 
todo  lo  conveniente  al  bienestar  y 
adelanto  del  pais,  fomentando  la 
InstruccionPublica  en  sus  di versos 
ramos,  el  progreso  de  la  agricul- 
tura,  de  la  industria  y  del  comer- 
cio,  de  la  inmigracion,  de  la  colo- 
nizacion  de  tierras  desiertas  y  de 
la  construction  de  caminos  y  de 
ferrocarriles,  del  planteamiento  de 
nuevas  industrias  y  del  estableci- 
miento  de  instituciones  de  credito, 
de  la  importation  de  capitales  ex- 
tranjeros  y  de  la  explotacion  y 
canalization  de  los  rios  y  lagos,  por 
medio  de  leyes  protectoras  de  estos 
fines,  y  de  concesiones  tempo  rales 
de  privilegios  y  de  recompensas 
de  estimulo. 


out  authorit}7  the  representation 
of  the  people,  arrogating  the  rights 
thereof,  or  speaking  in  its  name, 
shall  be  guilty  of  sedition. 

Art.  138.  All  usurped  author- 
ity is  illegal,  and  the  usurpation  of 
authority  a  crime.  The  acts  of  the 
usurper  are  null.  All  measures 
taken  through  direct  or  indirect 
pressure  of  an  armed  body  or  a 
reunion  of  people  are  null  dejure 
and  shall  be  inoperative. 

Art.  139.  The  President  of  the 
Republic,  deputies,  justices  of  the 
supreme  court,  secretaries  of  state, 
and  diplomatic  ministers,  shall  re- 
spond before  Congress  for  the 
offenses  committed  by  them  in  the 
exercise  of  their  functions.  Con- 
gress, after  following  the  course 
of  proceedings  for  such  cases  de- 
termined by  its  rules,  shall  declare 
whether  or  not  there  is  ground  to 
institute  proceedings  against  them 
and  place  them  at  the  disposal  of 
the  tribunal  of  competent  juris- 
diction. The  same  declaration  of 
Congress  shall  be  required  before 
instituting  proceedings  against  the 
President  of  the  Republic,  the  sec- 
retaries of  state,  and  the  justices 
of  the  supreme  court,  for  common 
offenses. 

Art.  140.  The  Government 
shall  provide  all  that  may  be  con- 
ducive to  the  welfare  and  progress 
of  the  Republie,  promote  public  in- 
struction in  its  different  branches, 
the  progress  of  agriculture,  in- 
dustry and  commerce,  immigra- 
tion, colonization  of  vacant  lands, 
construction  of  roads  and  railways, 
establishment  of  new  industries 
and  institutions  of  credit,  introduc- 
tion of  foreign  capital,  exploita- 
tion and  canalization  of  the  rivers 
and  lakes,  all  of  which  shall  be  done 
by  means  of  laws  of  protective 
character  and  temporary  conces- 
sions of  privileges  and  other  in- 
ducements. 


388 


REPUBLIC    OF    HONDURAS. 


Art.  141.  La  navegacion  de  los 
rios  es  libre  para  todas  las  ban- 
deras. 

Art.  142.  Ni  los  hondurenos  ni 
los  extranjeros  podran,  en  ningun 
caso,  reclamar  al  Estado  indemni- 
zacion  alguna  por  danos  6  perjui- 
cios  que  a  sus  personas  6  bienes 
causaren  las  facciones. 

Art.  143.  En  los  casos  de  inva- 
sion, perturbacion  interior  do  lapaz 
piiblica,  6  cualesquiera  otros  que 
pongan  a  la  sociedad  en  gran  pe- 
ligro  6  conflicto,  podrci  deeretarse 
el  estado  de  sitio  de  toda  la  Repii- 
blica,  6  parte  de  ella.  El  estado 
de  sitio  durara  todo  el  tiempo  que 
exijan  las  circunstancias  que  lo 
motivan,  pero  no  podra  pasar  de 
sesenta  dias  sin  nueva  declaratoria, 
ni  alterar  las  garantias  consigna- 
das  en  los  articulos  26,  35,  37,  43 
y  ±4. 

En  caso  de  epidemia,  podran 
dictarse  disposiciones  sanitarias 
que  contrarien  6  restrinjan  las  ga- 
rantias contenidas  en  los  articulos 
41,  42,  en  lo  relativo  a,  la  deten- 
cion  de  correspondencia,  y  50.  56 
y63. 

Art.  144.  La  presente  Consti- 
tucion  puede  reformarse.  La  ne- 
cesidad  de  reforma  sera  declarada 
por  el  Congreso  ordinario;  pero 
solo  se  efectuara  la  reforma  por 
una  Asamblea  Nacional  Constitu- 
yente,  convocada  al  efecto.  Es 
ineficaz  la  proposicion  de  reforma 
que  no  este  apoyada  por  las  dos 
terceras  partes  del  Congreso.  Se 
exceptua  de  estos  requisitos  el  caso 
previsto  en  el  articulo  1. 

Art.  145.  Todo  empleado  6  fun- 
cionario  de  la  Republica,  al  tomar 
posesion  de  su  destino,  hara  la 
promesa  siguiente:  "  Prometo  ser 
fiel  a  la  Republica,  cumplir  y  hacer , 
cumplir  la  Constitution  y  las 
leyes." 


Art.  141.  The  navigation  of  the 
rivers  shall  be  free  to  all  flags. 

Art.  142.  Neither  Hondura- 
neans  nor  foreigners  shall  in  any 
case  claim  against  the  State  an}r 
indemnity  for  damages  done  to 
their  persons  or  property  by  revo- 
lutionists. 

Art.  143.  In  cases  of  invasion, 
internal  disturbance  of  the  peace, 
or  any  other  case  in  which  so- 
ciety ma}T  become  in  grave  dan- 
ger, the  state  of  siege  of  the  entire 
Republic  or  a  portion  thereof  may 
be  proclaimed.  The  state  of  siege 
shall  last  only  for  the  time  re- 
quired by  the  circumstances  which 
produced  it,  but  it  never  shall  ex- 
tend beyond  sixty  days  without  a 
further  declaration,  nor  can  it 
affect  the  guaranties  set  forth  in 
articles  26,  35,  37,  43,  and  44. 

In  case  of  epidemic  diseases  it 
shall  be  lawful  for  the  Government 
to  issue  sanitary  regulations  re- 
stricting or  abridging  the  guar- 
anties contained  in  articles  41  and 
42,  or  the  portion  thereof  relating 
to  the  detention  of  correspondence, 
and  articles  50,  56,  and  63. 

Art.  144.  The  present  Consti 
tution  may  be  amended.  The  ne- 
cessity for  amending  it  shall  be  de- 
clared by  Congress,  but  the  amend 
ment  itself  shall  only  be  made  by 
a  national  constitutional  conven- 
tion called  for  that  purpose.  A 
proposition  to  amend,  which  is 
not  supported  by  two-thirds  of 
the  members  of  Congress,  shall 
have  no  effect.  The  case  fore- 
seen in  article  1  shall  be  an  ex- 
ception to  this  rule. 

Art.  145.  Every  employee  or 
functionary  of  the  Republic  when 
entering  on  the  discharge  of  his 
duties  shall  make  the  following 
promise:  "I  promise  to  be  faith- 
ful to  the  Republic  and  to  comply 
and  cause  others  to  comply  with 
the  Constitution  and  the  laws." 


CONSTITUTION. 


389 


TITTJLO  XIX. 

DISPOSICTON  TRANSITORIA. 

Art.  146.  Por  esta  vez  y  para 
el  primer  periodo  constitucional, 
la  presente  Asamblea  hara  la  elec- 
cion  de  Presidente  de  la  Republica 
3r  de  Magistrados  de  la  Corte 
Suprema  de  Justicia,  debiendo  re- 
cibirles  ella  misma  la  promesa  de 
ley. 

ARTfcuLO  final.  La  presente 
Constitucion  comenzara  a  regir 
cuando  se  decreten  las  leyes  secun- 
darias  en  armonia  con  ella;  que- 
dando  derogada,  desde  esta  f echa, 
la  de  catorce  de  octubre  de  mil 
ochocientos  noventa  y  cuatro. 


TITLE   XIX. 

TRANSIENT   PROVISIONS. 

Art.  146.  For  this  time  and  for 
the  first  constitutional  period  the 
present  assembly  shall  make  the 
election  of  President  of  the  Repub- 
lic and  of  justices  of  the  supreme 
court,  and  shall  receive  from  them 
the  promise  required  by  law. 

Final  article.  The  present 
Constitution  shall  begin  to  be  in 
force  when  secondary  laws  in  har- 
mony with  its  principles  shall  be 
enacted;  but  from  the  present  date 
the  Constitution  of  October  four- 
teenth, eighteen  hundred  and 
ninety -four,  is  repealed. 


REPUBLIC  OF  PANAMA. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES. 

On  the  4th  of  November,  1903,  the  municipal  council  of  the  district 
of  Panama,  which  was  at  that  time  part  and  parcel  of  the  Republic  of 
Colombia,  acting,  as  it  said,  as  a  faithful  interpreter  of  the  sentiments 
of  those  whom  they  represented,  declared  in  a  solemn  form  that  the 
people  under  their  jurisdiction  had  severed  the  political  bonds  which 
had  connected  them  with  Colombia  and  formed  in  union,  with  the  other 
towns  of  the  Department  of  Panama,  which  had  accepted  the  separa- 
tion, the  Republic  of  Panama,  with  an  independent  government,  demo- 
cratic, representative,  and  responsible,  tending  to  secure  the  happiness 
of  the  natives  and  of  the  other  inhabitants  of  the  territory  of  the 
Isthmus. 

The  Constitution  of  the  new  Republic  was  framed  and  adopted  on 
the  13th  of  February,  1904. 

391 


CONSTITUTION. 

(February  13, 1904.) 


Nosotros,  los  Representantes  del 
pueblo  de  Panama,  reunidos  en 
Convencion  Nacional  con  el  objeto 
de  constituir  la  Nacion,  mantener 
el  orden,  ah'anzar  la  justicia,  pro- 
mover  el  bienestar  general  y  ase- 
gurar  los  beneficios  de  la  libertad 
para  nosotros,  para  nuestra  pos- 
teridad  y  para  todos  los  hombres 
del  mundo  que  habiten  el  suelo 
panameno,  invocando  la  proteccion 
de  Dios,  ordenamos,  decretamos  y 
establecemos  para  la  Nacion  pana- 
mena  la  siguiente  Constitucion: 

TITULO  I. 
DE  LA  NACION  Y  EL  TERRITORIO. 


ARTfcuLO  1.  El  pueblo  pana- 
meno se  constituye  en  Nacion  in- 
dependiente  y  soberana,  regida  por 
un  Gobierno  republicano  y  demo- 
cratic©, bajo  la  denominacion  de 
Repiiblica  de  Panama. 

Art.  2.  La  soberania  reside  en 
la  Nacion,  quien  la  ejerce  por 
medio  de  sus  Representantes,  del 
modo  como  esta  Constitucion  lo 
establece  y  en  los  terminos  en  ella 
expresados. 

Art.  3.  Compone  el  territorio 
de  la  Repiiblica  todo  aquel  con  el 
cual  se  f  ormo  el  Estado  de  Panama 
por  acto  adicional  de  la  Constitu- 
cion Granadina  de  mil  ochocientos 
cincuenta  y  tres,  en  veintisiete  de 
Febrero  de  mil  ochocientos  cin- 
cuenta y  cinco,  transformado  en 
mil  ochocientos  ochenta  y  seis  en 
Departamento  de  Panama,  con  sus 
islas,  y  el  territorio  continental  e 

392 


We,  the  representatives  of  the 
people  of  Panama,  assembled  in 
national  convention  for  the  pur- 
pose of  constituting  the  Nation, 
maintaining  order,  guaranteeing 
justice,  promoting  the  general  wel- 
fare, and  securing  the  benefits  of 
liberty  for  ourselves,  our  poster- 
ity, and  all  men  who  may  inhabit 
the  Panaman  soil,  invoking  the 
protection  of  God,  do  ordain,  de- 
cree, and  establish  for  the  Pana- 
man Nation  the  following  Con- 
stitution: 

TITLE  I. 

THE  NATION  AND  ITS  TERRI- 
TORY. 

Article  1.  The  Panaman  peo- 
ple hereby  constitute  themselves 
an  independent  and  sovereign 
Nation,  ruled  by  a  republican  and 
democratic  government,  under  the 
denomination  of  the  Republic  of 
Panama. 

Art.  2.  The  sovereignty  resides 
in  the  Nation,  which  shall  exercise 
it  through  its  representatives  in 
the  manner  established  by  this 
Constitution  and  under  the  condi- 
tions therein  expressed. 

Art.  3.  The  territory  of  the 
Republic  is  the  same  which,  under 
the  Act  of  Februar}^  twenty-sev- 
enth, eighteen  hundred  and  fifty- 
five,  additional  to  the  New  Granada 
Constitution  of  eighteen  hundred 
and  fifty-three,  formed  the  State 
of  Panama,  and  became  after  wards, 
in  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-, 
six,  the  Department  of  Panama, 
with  its  islands,  and  the  continental 


CONSTITUTION. 


393 


insular  que  adjudico  a  la  Repu- 
blics de  Colombia  el  laudo  pronun- 
ciado  el  once  de  Septiembre  de  mil 
novecientos  por  el  Presidente  de 
la  Republica  Francesa.  P^l  terri- 
torio  de  la  Republica  queda  sujeto 
a  las  limitaeiones  jurisdiccionales 
estipuladas  6  que  se  estipulen  en 
los  tratados  publicos  celebrados 
con  los  Estados  Unidos  de  Norte 
America,  para  la  construccion, 
mantenimiento  6  sanidad  de  cual- 
quier  medio  de  transito  inter- 
oceanico. 

Por  tratados  publicos  se  deter- 
minaran  los  limites  con  la  Repu- 
blica de  Colombia. 

Art.  4.  El  territorio  de  la  Re- 
publica se  divide  en  las  Provincias 
de  Bocas  del  Toro,  Code,  Colon, 
Chiriqui,  Los  Santos,  Panama  y 
Veraguas.  Las  Provincias  se  divi- 
den  en  Municipios. 

La  Asamblea  Nacional  podra 
aumentar  6  disminuir  el  numero 
de  aqu^llas  y  de  estos,  6  variar  sus 
limites. 

Art.  5.  El  territorio  con  los 
bienes  publicos  que  de  el  forman 
parte,  pertenece  a  la  Nacion. 

tItuxo  II. 


and  insular  territory  which  was 
awarded  to  the  Republic  of  Colom- 
bia by  the  President  of  the  French 
Republic  on  September  eleventh, 
nineteen  hundred.  The  territory 
of  the  Republic  remains  subject  to 
the  jurisdictional  restrictions  stip- 
ulated or  which  ma}^  be  stipulated 
in  public  treaties  with  the  United 
States  of  America  for  the  construc- 
tion, maintenance  or  sanitation  of 
any  route  of  interoceanic  transit. 


The  boundaries  with  the  Repub- 
lic of  Colombia  shall  be  deter- 
mined by  treaty. 

Art.  4.  The  territory  of  the 
Republic  is  divided  into  the  prov- 
inces of  Bocas  del  Toro,  Code, 
Colon,  Chiriqui,  Los  Santos,  Pan- 
ama, and  Veraguas.  The  provinces 
are  divided  into  municipalities. 

The  National  Assembly  may  in- 
crease or  decrease  the  number  of 
the  former  and  of  the  latter,  or 
change  their  boundaries. 

Art.  5.  The  territory,  and  the 
public  property  to  be  found  on  it, 
belong  to  the  Nation. 

TITLE  II. 


NACIONALIDAD  Y  CIUDADANIA.        NATIONALITY  AND  CITIZENSHIP. 


Art.  6.  Sonpanamenos: 

1.  Todos  los  que  hayan  nacido 
6  nacieren  en  el  territorio  de  Pa- 
nama, cualquiera  que  sea  la  nacio- 
nalidad  de  sus  padres. 

2.  Los  hijos  de  padre  6  madre 
panamenos  que  hayan  nacido  en 
otro  territorio,  si  vinieren  a  domi- 
ciliarse  en  la  Republica  y  expresen 
la  voluntad  de  serlo. 

3.  Los  extranjeros  con  mas  de 
diez  anos  de  residencia  en  el  terri- 
torio de  la  Republica  que,  profe- 
sando  alguna  ciencia,  arte  6  indus- 
tria,  6  poseyendo  alguna  propie- 
dad  raiz,  6  capital  en  giro,  declaren 
ante  la  Municipal idad  panamena 


Art.  6.  The  following  are  Pan- 
amans: 

1.  All  those  born  or  who  may 
be  born  in  the  territory  of  Pan- 
ama, whatever  the  nationality  of 
their  parents  may  be. 

2.  Children  of  Panaman  father 
or  mother,  born  in  another  terri- 
tory, if  they  take  up  their  domi- 
cile in  the  Republic  and  express 
their  intention  to  become  Pana- 
manians. 

3.  Foreigners,  who  have  resided 
for  over  ten  years  in  the  Republic, 
professing  some  science,  art,  or 
industry,  or  owning  some  real  es- 
tate, or  capital  in  circulation,  if 
they  declare,  before  the  Pana- 
man  municipal  authority  of  the 


394 


KEPUBLIC    OF   PANAMA. 


en  que  residan  su  voluntad  de  na- 
turalizarse  en  Panama.  Bastaran 
seis  anos  de  residencia  si  son  casa- 
dos  y  tienen  familia  en  Panama,  y 
tres  anos  si  son  casados  con  pana- 
mena. 

4.  Los  coiomDianos  que,  ha- 
biendo  tornado  parte  en  la  inde- 
pendencia  de  la  Republica  de  Pa- 
nama, hayan  declarado  su  voluntad 
de  serlo,  6  asi  lo  declaren  ante  el 
Concejo  municipal  del  distrito  en 
donde  residan. 

Art.  7.  La  calidad  de  nacional 
panameno  se  pierde: 

1.  Por  adquirir  carta  de  natu- 
raleza  en  pais  extranjero,  fijando 
en  el  domicilio. 

2.  Por  admitir  empleos  u  ho- 
nores  de  otro  Gobierno  sin  el  per- 
miso  del  Presidente  de  la  Repu- 
blica. 

3.  Siendo  nacido  panamefio,  por 
no  aceptar  el  movimiento  de  inde- 
pendencia  de  la  Nacion. 

4.  Por  haberse  comprometido  al 
servicio  de  una  nacion  eneniiga. 

La  nacionalidad  solo  podia  re- 
cobrarse  en  virtud  de  rehabilita- 
cion  de  la  Asamblea  Nacional. 

Art.  8.  Todos  los  panamenos 
tienen  el  deber  de  servir  a  la  Na- 
cion conforme  lo  dispongan  las 
leyes;  y,  tanto  estos  como  los  ex- 
tranjeros  que  se  hallen  en  el  terri- 
torio  de  la  Republica,  el  de  vivir 
sometidos  a  la  Constitution  y  a  las 
leyes,  y  el  de  respetar  y  obedecer 
a  las  autoridades. 

Art.  9.  Los  extranjeros  disfru- 
taran  en  Panama  de  los  mismos 
derechos  que  se  concedan  a  los 
panamenos  por  las  leyes  de  la  Na- 
cion a  que  el  extranjero  perte- 
nezca,  salvo  lo  que  se  estipule  en 
los  tratados  publicos  x,  en  defecto 
de  estos,  lo  que  determinen  las 
leyes. 

Art.  10.  Los  extranjeros  natu- 
ralizados  6  domiciliados  no  seran 
obligados  a  tomar  armas  contra  el 
pais  de  su  nacimiento. 


territory  in  which  they  reside, 
their  intention  of  being  natural- 
ized in  Panama.  Six  37ears  resi- 
dence will  suffice  if  they  are  mar- 
ried and  have  a  family  in  Panama, 
and  three  years  if  they  are  married 
to  a  Panaman  woman. 

4.  Colombians  who,  having  taken 
part  in  the  movement  for  the  inde- 
pendence of  the  Republic  of  Pan- 
ama, declare  or  have  declared  be- 
fore the  municipal  council  of  the 
district  in  which  they  reside,  their 
intention  to  become  Panamanians. 

Art.  7.  Panaman  nationality 
shall  be  lost: 

1.  rfy  taking  out  naturalization 
papers  in  a  foreign  country  and 
acquiring  a  domicile  therein. 

2.  By  accepting  employment  or 
honors  from  another  Government 
without  the  permission  of  the  Pres- 
ident of  the  Republic. 

3.  By  refusing  to  indorse  the 
movement  for  the  independence  of 
the  nation,  if  the  one  who  does  so 
was  born  in  Panama. 

4.  By  engaging  in  the  service  of 
a  hostile  nation. 

Nationality  can  only  be  restored 
by  an  Act  of  the  National  As- 
sembly. 

Art.  8.  It  is  the  duty  of  all 
Panamans  to  serve  the  Nation  as 
may  be  provided  by  law,  and  they 
as  well  as  all  foreigners  residing 
within  the  territory  of  the  Repub- 
lic must  submit  to  the  Constitution 
and  the  laws,  and  respect  and  obey 
the  authorities. 

Art.  9.  Foreigners  shall  enjoy 
in  Panama  the  same  rights  as 
are  granted  to  Panamans  by  the 
laws  of  the  nation  to  which  the 
foreigners  belong,  unless  some- 
thing to  the  contrary  has  been 
stipulated  in  public  treaties,  or,  in 
the  absence  thereof,  by  the  pro- 
visions of  domestic  law. 

Art.  10.  Naturalized  or  ■  dom- 
iciled foreigners  shall  not  be 
bound  to  take  up  arms  against  the 
land  of  their  birth. 


CONSTITUTION. 


395 


Art.  11.  Son  ciudadanos  de  la 
Republica  todos  los  panamenos 
mayores  de  veintiun  afios. 

Art.  12.  La  ciudadania  consiste 
en  el  derecho  de  elegir  para  los 

fmestos  publicos  de  eleccion  popu- 
ar,  y  en  la  capacidad  para  ejercer 
cargos  oficiales  con  mando  y  juris- 
diccion. 

Art.  13.  La  ciudadania,  una  vez 
adquirida,  solo  se  pierde: 

1.  Por  pena  conforme  a  la  ley, 
pudiendose  obtener  rehabilitacion 
de  la  Asamblea  Nacional. 

2.  Por  perderse  la  calidad  de 
panameno,  conforme  a  la  Consti- 
tucion  Nacional. 

Art.  14.  La  ciudadania  se  sus- 
pende: 

1.  Por  causa  criminal  pen- 
diente,  desde  que  el  Juez  dicte 
auto  de  prision. 

2.  Por  no  tener  legalmente  la 
libre  administration  de  sus  bienes. 

3.  Por  beodez  habitual. 

TITULO  III. 

DE  LOS  DERECHOS  INDIVIDUALES. 

Art.  15.  Las  autoridades  de  la 
Republica  estan  instituidas  para 
proteger  a  todas  las  personas,  re- 
sidentes  6  transentes,  en  sus  vidas, 
honra  y  bienes,  asegurar  el  respeto 
reciproco  de  los  derechos  natura- 
les,  constitucionales  y  legales,  pre- 
viniendo  y  castigando  los  delitos. 

Art.  16.  Todos  los  panamenos 
y  extranjeros  son  iguales  ante  la 
ley.  No  habra  fueros  ni  privile- 
gios  personales. 

Art.  17.  Toda  persona  tiene  de- 
recho de  presentar  peticiones  res- 
petuosas  a  las  autoridades,  ya  sea 
por  motivo  de  interes  general,  ya 
de  interes  particular;  y  el  de  ob- 
tener pronta  resolution. 

Art.  18.  Las  Corporaciones  le- 
gitimas  y  publicas  tienen  derecho 
a  ser  reconocidas  como  personas 
juridicas  y  a  ejecutar,  en  tal  virtud, 


Art.  11.  All  Panamans  over 
twenty -one  years  of  age  are  citi- 
zens of  the  Republic. 

Art.  12.  Citizenship  consists  in 
the  right  of  voting  in  the  elections 
of  public  officers  and  in  the  capac- 
ity to  hold  public  offices  with  au- 
thority and  jurisdiction. 

Art.  13.  Citizenship  once  ac- 
quired shall  be  only  lost: 

1.  As  a  penalt}^  in  accordance 
with  the  law,  but  rehabilitation 
may  be  obtained  through  the  Na- 
tional Assembly. 

2.  rty  loss  of  the  Panaman  na- 
tionality, according  to  the  Consti- 
tution. 

Art.  14.  Citizenship  shall  be 
suspended: 

1.  By  criminal  prosecution,  as 
soon  as  the  arrest  of  a  citizen  is 
ordered  by  the  court. 

2.  By  legal  inability  to  admin- 
ister property. 

3.  By  habitual  drunkenness. 

TITLE  III. 

INDIVIDUAL  RIGHTS. 

Art.  15.  The  authorities  of  the 
Republic  are  constituted  for  the 
protection  of  all  persons,  whether 
residents  or  visitors,  in  their  lives, 
honor,  and  property,  the  securing 
of  reciprocal  respect  of  all  natural, 
constitutional,  and  legal  rights, 
and  the  prevention  and  punish- 
ment of  crime. 

Art.  16.  Panamans  and  foreign- 
ers are  equal  before  the  law. 
There  shall  be  neither  class  nor 
personal  privileges. 

Art.  17.  Every  person  has  the 
right  to  present  respectful  peti- 
tions to  the  authorities,  on  mat- 
ters of  public  or  private  interest, 
and  to  receive  a  prompt  reply. 

Art.  18.  Corporations  legally 
authorized  are  entitled  to  be  rec- 
ognized as  persons,  and  to  perform, 
as  such,  civil  acts  and  enjoy  the 


396 


REPUBLIC    OF   PANAMA. 


actos  civiles  37  gozar  de  las  garan- 
tias  aseguradas  por  este  titulo,  con 
las  limitaciones  generales  que  esta- 
blezcan  las  leyes,  por  razones  de 
utilidad  comiin. 

Art.  19.  No  habra  esclavos  en 
Panama.  El  que,  siendo  esclavo, 
pise  el  territorio  de  la  Republica, 
quedani  libre. 

Art.  20.  Todos  los  habitantes  de 
la  Republica  tienen  el  derecho  de 
reunirse  pacificamente  y  sin  armas, 
y  el  de  asociarse  para  todos  los 
fines  licitos  de  la  vida. 

Art.  21.  Toda  persona  podra 
viajar  dentro  de  los  limites  de  la 
Republica,  y  cambiar  de  residencia, 
sin  necesidad  de  permisos,  pasa- 
porte  u  otro  requisite  semejante, 
salvo  lo  que  las  leyes  dispongan 
sobre  el  arraigo  judicial  y  sobre 
inmigracion. 


Art.  22.  Nadie  podra  ser  juz- 
gado  ni  sentenciadosinopor  Jueces 
o  Tribunales  competentes,  en  vir- 
tud  de  leyes  anteriores  al  delito 
cometido,  y  en  la  forma  que  estas 
establezcan. 

Podran  sin  embargo  castigar  sin 
juicio  previo  los  funcionarios  que 
ejercen  autoridad  6  jurisdiction,  a 
cualquiera  que  los  injurie  6  irres- 
pete  en  el  acto  en  que  esten  desem- 

f)eiiando  su  cargo;  y  los  Jefes  mi- 
itares  y  Capitanes  de  buques,  los 
cuales  podran  imponer  penas  in- 
continenti  para  contener  una  in- 
subordination, mantenerelordeny 
reprimir  los  delitos  cometidos  a 
bordo  y  fuera  de  puerto. 

Art.  23.  Nadie  podra  ser  moles- 
tado  en  su  persona  6  familia,  ni 
reducido  a  prision  6  arresto,  ni  de- 
tenido,  ni  su  domicilio  registrado, 
sino  en  virtud  de  mandamiento 
escrito  de  autoridad  competente, 
con  las  formalidades  legales  y  por 
motivo  previamente  definido  en 
las  leyes. 


guarantees  set  forth  in  this  title, 
with  no  other  limitations  than  the 
general  ones  established  by  the 
laws  for  reasons  of  general  wel- 
fare. 

Art.  19.  There  shall  be  no  slaves 
in  Panama.  He  who  being  a  slave, 
sets  foot  in  the  territory  of  the 
Republic,  shall  be  free. 

Art.  20.  All  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Republic  have  the  right  to  as- 
semble peacefully  and  unarmed, 
and  to  form  associations  for  all 
the  legitimate  purposes  of  life. 

Art.  21.  Every  person  shall  be 
free  to  travel  within  the  boundaries 
of  the  Republic  and  change  resi- 
dence, without  the  necessity  of  a 
permit,  passport,  or  other  similar 
requisite,  but  nothing  in  this  pro- 
vision shall  be  construed,  as  author- 
izing interference  with  the  laws 
requiring  bonds  to  be  given  in  judi- 
cial cases  previous  to  the  absence 
of  the  parties,  or  the  laws  of 
immigration. 

Art.  22.  No  one  shall  be  tried 
or  sentenced  except  by  competent 
judges  or  courts,  in  accordance 
with  laws  existing  prior  to  the 
commission  of  the  offense,  and  in 
the  form  established  by  these  laws. 

Officials  who  exercise  authority 
or  jurisdiction  may  punish,  never- 
theless, for  contempt,  without  pre- 
vious trial,  any  one  who  may  be 
insulting  or  disrespectful  to  them 
while  discharging  their  duties;  and 
military  commanders  and  captains 
of  vessels  may  inflict  summary 
punishment  in  order  to  check  in- 
subordination, maintain  order,  or 
repress  crimes  committed  on  board 
and  away  from  port. 

Art.  23.  No  one  shall  be  mo- 
lested in  his  person  or  family,  or 
be  placed  in  prison  or  under  ar- 
rest, or  detained,  or  have  his  home 
searched,  except  by  virtue  of  a 
warrant  issued  by  competent 
authority,  with  the  legal  formali- 
ties and  for  reasons  previously  set 
forth  in  the  laws. 


CONSTITUTION. 


397 


En  ningun  caso  podra  haber 
detention,  prision  ni  arresto  por 
deudas  ii  obligaciones  puramente 
civiles,  salvo  el  arraigo  judicial. 


El  delincuente  cogido  in \fraganti 
podra  ser  aprehendido  y  llevado 
ante  el  Juez  por  cualquiera  per- 
sona. 

Art.  24.  Toda  persona  detenida 
6  presa  sin  las  formalidades  le- 
gates, 6  fuera  de  los  casos  pres- 
critos  en  esta  Constitution  6  en 
las  leyes,  sera  puesta  en  libertad, 
a,  petition  suya  6  de  cualquiera 
otra  persona.  La  ley  determinara 
la  forma  de  este  procedimiento 
suraario. 

Art.  25.  Nadje  esta  obligado  a 
declarar  en  asunto  criminal  contra 
si  mismo,  ni  contra  su  conyuge, 
ni  contra  ningun  miembro  de  su 
familia,  dentro  del  cuarto  grado 
de  consanguinidad  6  segundo  de 
afinidad. 

Art.  26.  Es  libre  la  profesion 
de  todas  las  religiones,  asi  como  el 
ejercicio  de  todos  los  cultos,  sin 
otra  limitation  que  el  respeto  a  la 
moral  cristiana  y  al  orden  publico. 
Se  reconoce  que  la  Religion  Ca- 
tolica  es  la  de  la  mayoria  de  los 
habitantes  de  la  Republica,  y  la 
ley  dispondra  se  le  auxilie  para 
fundar  un  Seminario  Conciliar  en 
la  Capital,  y  para  misiones  a  las 
tribus  indigenas. 

Art.  27.  Toda  persona  podra 
emitir  libremente  su  pensamiento, 
de  palabra  6  por  escrito,  por  la 
imprenta,  6  cualquier  otro  medio, 
sin  sujecion  a  censura  previa, 
siempre  que  se  refiera  a  los  actos 
oficiales  de  funcionarios  publicos. 

Pero  existiran  las  responsabili- 
dades  legales  cuando  por  alguno  de 
estos  medios  se  atente  contra  la 
honra  de  las  personas. 

Art.  28.  La  correspondencia  y 
demas  documentos  privados  son 
inviolables  y  ni  aquellos  ni  estos 


In  no  case  shall  there  be  deten- 
tion, imprisonment,  or  arrest  for 
debts  or  purely  civil  obligations, 
unless  it  is  by  judicial  order  for 
failure  to  give  bond  when  required 
by  law. 

Offenders  caught  in  flagranti 
delicto  may  be  arrested  and  taken 
before  the  judge  by  any  person 
whatever. 

Art.  24.  All  persons  detained 
or  imprisoned  without  the  legal 
formalities,  or  in  violation  of  the 
Constitution  or  the  laws  shall  be  set 
at  liberty  upon  their  own  request 
or  that  of  any  other  person.  The 
law  shall  determine  the  form  of 
this  summary  proceeding. 

Art.  25.  No  one  is  bound  to 
testify  in  criminal  matters  against 
himself,  or  against  his  consort,  or 
against  any  member  of  his  family 
within  the  fourth  degree  of  con- 
sanguinity or  the  second  of  af- 
finity. 

Art.  26.  The  profession  of  all 
religions  is  free,  as  is  also  the 
practice  of  all  forms  of  worship, 
without  any  other  restriction  than 
respect  for  Christian  morality 
and  public  order.  It  is  recog- 
nized, however,  that  the  Catholic 
religion  is  that  of  the  majority  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Republic, 
and  the  law  shall  provide  that  it 
be  aided  in  founding  a  theological 
seminary  in  the  capital  and  in  send- 
ing missions  to  the  native  tribes. 

Art.  27.  Every  one  may  freely 
express  his  opinions,  either  orally 
or  in  writing,  through  the  press, 
or  in  any  other  way,  without 
being  subject  to  censorship,  when 
referring  to  official  acts  of  public 
functionaries. 

Legal  responsibility  shall,  how- 
ever, be  incurred  when  the  honor 
of  persons  is  assailed  by  any  of 
these  means. 

Art.  28.  Correspondence  and 
other  private  documents  are  in- 
violable, and  neither  the  former 


398 


REPUBLIC    OF    PANAMA. 


pueden  ser  ocupados  ni  examina- 
aos  sino  por  aisposicion  de  au- 
toridad  judicial  competente  y  con 
las  formalidades  que  prescriban  las 
leyes.  En  todo  caso,  se  guardara 
reserva  sobre  los  asuntos  ajenos  al 
objeto  de  la  ocupacion  y  examen. 

Art.  29.  Toda  persona  podra 
ejercer  cualquier  oficio  u  ocupa- 
cion honesta  sin  necesidad  de  perte- 
necer  a  gremios  de  maestros  6  doc- 
tores. 

Las  autoridades  inspeccionaran 
las  industrias  y  profesiones  en  lo 
relativo  a  la  moralidad,  la  seguri- 
dad  y  la  salubridad  publicas. 
Es  preciso  poseer  titulos  de  idonei- 
dad  para  el  ejercicio  de  las  pro- 
fesiones medicas  y  de  sus  auxi- 
liares. 

Art.  30.  Las  obligaciones  de 
caracter  civil  que  nazcan  de  con- 
tratos  6  de  otros  actos,  hechos  ii 
omisiones  que  las  produzcan,  no 
podran  ser  alteradas  ni  anuladas 
por  el  Poder  Ejecutivo  ni  por  el 
Legislativo. 

Art.  31.  Las  leyes  determina- 
ran  lo  relativo  al  estado  civil  de 
las  personas,  y  los  consiguientes 
derechos  y  deberes. 

Art.  32.  Las  leyes  no  tendran 
efecto  retroactive 

En  materia  criminal  la  ley  per- 
misiva  6  favorable,  aun  cuando  sea 
posterior,  se  aplicara  de  preferen- 
cia  a  la  restrictiva  6  desfavorable. 

Art.  33.  Los  derechos  adquiri- 
dos  con  arreglo  a  las  le37es  no  po- 
dran ser  vulnerados  ni  desconoci- 
dos  por  leyes  posteriores. 

Cuando  de  la  aplicacion  de  una 
ley  expedida  por  motivos  de  utili- 
dad  publica  resultaren  en  conflicto 
los  derechos  de  los  particulares 
con  la  necesidad  reconocida  por 
dicha  ley,  el  interes  privado  cedera 
al  interes  publico.  Pero  las  ex- 
propiaciones  que  sea  preciso  hacer, 
requieren  previa  y  plena  indemni- 
zacion. 


nor  the  latter  shall  be  seized  or 
examined  except  by  order  of  com- 
petent judicial  authorit}7,  and  with 
the  formalities  prescribed  by  law. 
In  all  cases  secrecy  shall  be  main- 
tained with  regard  to  matters  hav- 
ing no  bearing  on  the  object  of 
the  seizure  or  examination. 

Art.  29.  All  persons  are  free  to 
engage  in  any  honorable  trade  or 
occupation  without  necessity  of 
belonging  to  guilds  or  professional 
associations. 

The  authorities  shall  exercise 
supervision  over  the  industries  and 
professions  in  so  far  as  they  may 
affect  public  moralit}^,  safety,  and 
health.  The  proper  diploma  shall 
be  required  for  the  practice  of 
medical  professions  and  their  aux- 
iliary  branches. 

Art.  30.  Obligations  of  a  civil 
character  arising  out  of  contracts 
or  of  acts,  facts,  or  omissions  capa- 
ble to  produce  them  shall  not  be 
impaired  or  annulled  b}r  either  the 
executive  or  the  legislative  power. 

Art.  31.  The  laws  shall  deter- 
mine everything  relating  to  the 
civil  status  of  persons,  and  the 
rights  and  duties  arising  out  of  it. 

Art.  32.  Laws  shall  not  have 
retroactive  effect. 

In  criminal  matters,  however,  a 
permissive  or  favorable  law  shall 
be  applied  in  preference  to  a  re- 
strictive or  unfavorable  one,  even 
if  it  be  subsequent. 

Art.  33.  Rights  acquired  in 
accordance  with  the  laws  shall 
not  be  encroached  upon  or  dis- 
regarded by  subsequent  laws. 

When  the  application  of  a  law 
enacted  for  reasons  of  public  util- 
ity interferes  with  the  rights  of 
private  persons,  the  public  inter- 
ests shall  be  given  preference. 
The  condemnation  of  property 
shall,  however,  require  full  and 
previous  indemnification. 


CONSTITUTION. 


399 


Art.  34.  El  destino  de  las  dona- 
ciones  inter  vivos  y  testamentarias, 
hechas  conforme  a  las  leyes  para 
objetos  de  beneficencia  6  de  ins- 
truccion  publica,  no  podra  ser 
variado  6  modificado  por  el  Legis- 
lador. 

Art.  35.  Los  particulares  no  son 
responsables  ante  las  autoridades 
sino  por  inf  raccion  de  la  Constitu- 
tion 6  de  las  leyes.  Los  f  uncio- 
narios  publicos  lo  son  por  la  misma 
causa,  por  extralimitacion  de  f  un- 
ciones,  6  por  omision  en  el  ejer- 
cicio  de  estas. 

Art.  36.  En  caso  de  inf  raccion 
manifiesta  de  un  precepto  consti- 
tucional  en  detrimento  de  alguna 
persona,  el  mandato  superior  no 
exime  de  responsabilidad  al  agente 
que  lo  ejecuta. 

Los  individuos  de  tropa  del  Ejer- 
cito,  que  se  hallen  en  servicio, 
quedan  exceptuados  de  esta  dispo- 
sition. Respecto  de  ellos,  la  res- 
ponsabilidad recaera  unicamente 
sobre  el  superior  jerarquico  que 
da  la  orden. 

Art.  37.  No  seran  permitidos 
los  juegos  de  suerte  y  azar  en  el 
territorio  de  la  Republica.  La  ley 
los  enumerara. 

Art.  38.  No  habra  monopolios 
oficiales. 

Art.  39.  No  habra  bienes  raices 
que  no  sean  de  libre  enajenacion, 
ni  obligaeiones  irredimibles. 

Art.  40.  Todo  autor  6  inventor 
gozara  de  la  propiedad  exclusiva 
de  su  obra  6  invention  por  el  tiem- 
po  que  determine  la  ley  y  en  la 
forma  que  ella  establezca. 

Art.  41.  Nadie  esta  obligado  a 
pagar  contribucion  ni  impuesto 
que  no  estuvieren  legalmente  es- 
tablecidos  y  cuya  cobranza  no  se 
hiciere  en  la  forma  prescrita  por 
las  leyes. 

Art.  42.  Nadie  podra  ser  pri- 
vado  de  su  propiedad  ni  en  todo 
ni  en  parte,  sino  en  virtud  de  pe- 
na  6  de  contribucion  general  con 
arreglo  a  las  leyes. 


Art.  34.  Donations  inter  vivos 
or  legacies  made  in  conformity 
with  the  laws,  for  purposes  of 
charity  or  public  instruction,  shall 
not  be  changed  or  modified  by  leg- 
islation. 

Art.  35.  Private  persons  are  not 
amenable  before  the  authorities 
except  for  violation  of  the  Consti- 
tution or  of  the  laws.  Public  offi- 
cials are  amenable  for  the  same 
cause,  and  also  for  exceeding  their 
authority,  or  for  dereliction  in  the 
performance  of  their  duties. 

Art.  36.  In  case  of  flagrant 
violation  of  a  constitutional  pro- 
vision to  the  detriment  of  an\r  per- 
son, an  order  from  a  superior  will 
not  exempt  from  responsibility 
the  agent  executing  it. 

Private  soldiers,  while  on  duty, 
are  excepted  from  this  provision, 
the  responsibilitjr  falling  solely,  in 
this  case,  upon  the  superior  who 
gives  the  order. 


Art.  37.  Gambling  shall  not  be 
permitted  in  the  territory  of  the 
Republic.  The  law  shall  enumer- 
rate  the  games  included  in  this 
prohibition. 

Art.  38.  There  shall  be  no  offi 
cial  monopolies. 

Art.  39.  There  shall  be  no  en- 
tailment of  real  estate,  nor  irre- 
deemable obligations. 

Art.  40.  Every  author  or  in- 
ventor shall  enjoy  the  exclusive 
ownership  of  his  work  or  inven- 
tion during  the  time  and  in  the 
manner  prescribed  by  law. 

Art.  41.  No  one  is  obliged  to 
pay  a  tax  or  duty  which  has  not 
been  legally  established  and  which 
is  not  collected  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed by  the  laws. 

Art.  42.  No  one  shall  be  de- 
prived of  his  property,  either  in 
whole  or  in  part,  except  as  a  pen- 
alty or  by  general  taxation  accord- 
ing to  the  laws. 


400 


REPUBLIC    OF   PANAMA. 


Por  graves  motives  de  utilidad 
publica,  definidos  por  el  Legisla- 
tor, podra  haber  lugar  a  enajena- 
cion  forzosa  de  bienes  6  derechos 
mediante  mandamiento  judicial, 
pero  el  pago  de  su  valor  declarado 
se  hara  antes  de  desposeer  de  ellos 
al  dueno. 

Art.  43.  Los  edificios  destinados 
a  cualquier  culto,  los  Seminarios 
Conci  Hares  y  las  casas  episcopates 
y  curales  no  podran  ser  gravadas 
con  contribuciones,  y  solo  podran 
ser  ocupados  en  casos  de  urgente 
necesidad  publica. 

Art.  44.  En  ningun  caso  podra 
establecerse  por  el  Legislador  pena 
de  confiscation  de  bienes. 

Art.  45.  Las  carceles  son  luga- 
res  de  seguridad  y  expiacion,  no 
de  castigo  cruel;  por  lo  tanto,  es 
prohibida  toda  severidad  que  no 
sea  necesaria  para  la  custodia  y  en- 
mienda  de  los  presos. 

Art.  46.  Las  leyes  determinaran 
la  responsabilidad  a  que  puedan 
quedar  sometidos  los  funcionarios 
publicos  que  atenten  contra  los  de- 
rechos garantizados  en  este  titulo. 

Art.  47.  Los  derechos  indivi- 
duales  reconocidos  y  garantizados 
en  los  articulos  21,  23,  24,  27,  28 
y  42  podran  ser  suspendidos  tem- 
poralmente  en  toda  la  Republica, 
o  en  parte  de  el  la,  cuando  lo  exija 
la  seguridad  del  Estado  en  caso  de 
guerra  exterior  6  de  perturbacion 
interna  que  amenaze  la  paz  publica. 

Esta  suspension  sera  decretada 
por  la  Asamblea  Nacional,  si  estu- 
viere  reunida;  pero  si  estuviere  en 
receso  y  fuere  inminente  el  peli- 
gro,  podra  dictarla  el  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  por  medio  de  un 
decreto  que  lleve  la  firma  de  todos 
sus  Secretarios.  En  este  caso,  el 
Presidente,  en  el  mismo  decreto 
de  suspension,  convocard  la  Asam- 
blea Nacional  para  darle  cuenta  de 
las  razones  que  lo  motivaron. 

Art.  48.  Es  prohibido  a  la 
Asamblea  Nacional  dictar  leyes 
que  disminuyan,  restrinjan  6  adul- 


For  grave  reasons  of  public  util- 
ity, defined  by  law,  condemnation 
of  private  property  or  of  rights 
may  be  made  by  judicial  order,  but 
the  payment  of  the  declared  value 
shall  be  made  before  the  owner  is 
dispossessed  of  them. 

Art.  43.  Buildings  devoted  to 
any  form  of  worship,  theological 
seminaries,  and  the  residences  of 
bishops  and  parish  priests  shall 
not  be  subject  to  taxation,  and  shall 
only  be  occupied  in  case  of  urgent 
public  necessity. 

Art.  44.  In  no  case  shall  the 
penalty  of  confiscation  of  prop- 
erty be  established  by  law. 

Art.  45.  Prisons  are  places  of 
security  and  expiation  and  not  of 
cruel  punishment;  consequently, 
all  severity  which  is  not  necessary 
for  the  custody  and  correction  of 
the  prisoners  is  forbidden. 

Art.  46.  The  laws  shall  fix  the 
degree  of  responsibility  which  offi- 
cials of  any  class  incur  by  encroach- 
ing on  the  rights  guaranteed  by  the 
provisions  this  title. 

Art.  47.  The  individual  rights 
recognized  and  guaranteed  in  arti- 
cles 21,  23,  24,  27,  28,  and  42  may 
be  temporarily  suspended  in  all  or 
in  part  of  the  Republic,  when  the 
safety  of  the  State  shall  require  it, 
in  case  of  foreign  war  or  internal 
commotion  threatening  the  public 
peace. 

This  suspension  shall  be  decreed 
hj  the  National  Assembly  if  it  is 
in  session;  if  it  is  not  in  session  and 
the  danger  is  imminent,  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic  may  order  the 
suspension  b}r  means  of  a  decree 
signed  by  all  his  secretaries.  In 
this  case  the  President,  in  the  same 
decree  of  suspension,  shall  convene 
the  National  Assembly  in  order  to 
explain  to  it  the  reasons  upon  which 
the  decree  was  based. 

Art.  48.  The  National  Assem- 
bly is  prohibited  from  enacting 
laws  which  may  diminish,  restrict, 


CONSTITUTION. 


401 


teren  cualquiera  de  los  derechos 
individuals  consignados  en  el  pre- 
sente  tituio,  sin  reforma  previa  a 
la  Constitucion,  salvo  las  excep- 
ciones  que  6sta  establece. 


or  impair  any  of  the  individual 
rights  mentioned  in  the  present 
title,  without  a  previous  amend- 
ment to  the  Constitution,  except  in 
the  cases  provided  for  by  the  latter. 


TITULO  IV. 

DEL  SUERAGIO. 

Art.  49.  Todos  los  ciudadanos 
mayores  de  veintiun  aiios  de  edad 
tienen  derecho  al  ejercicio  del  su- 
f  ragio,  excepto  los  que  esten  bajo 
interdiccion  judicial,  y  vos  inhabi- 
litados  judicialmente  por  causa  de 
delito. 

La  ley  podra  disponer  que  de- 
terminadas  elecciones  se  verifiquen 
a  dos  grados  y,  en  este  caso,  esta- 
blecera  las  condiciones  de  los  elec- 
tores  en  segundo  termino. 

Art.  50.  Las  leyes  determina- 
ran  la  responsabilidad  a  que  que- 
dan  sometidos  los  funcionarios 
publicos  que  con  sus  actos  atenten 
contra  los  derechos  reconocidos  en 
este  tituio. 


TITLE  IV. 

SUFFRAGE. 

Art.  49.  All  citizens  over 
twenty-one  3rears  of  age  are  en- 
titled to  exercise  the  right  of  suf- 
frage, except  those  who  may  be 
under  a  juaicial  interdiction  and 
those  who  are  judicially  disfran- 
chised on  account  of  crime. 

The  law  may  provide  that  cer- 
tain elections  be  held  in  two 
grades,  and,  in  this  case,  it  shall 
determine  the  qualifications  of  the 
electors  of  the  second  grade. 

Art.  50.  The  laws  shall  fix  the 
degree  of  responsibility  incurred 
by  public  officials  who,  by  their 
acts,  encroach  on  the  rights  recog- 
nized in  this  title. 


TITULO  V. 

DE  LOS  PODERES  PUBLICOS. 


Art.  51.  El  Gobierno  de  la  Re- 
publica  se  divide  en  tres  poderes, 
asi:  Legislativo,  Ejecutivo  y  Ju- 
dicial. 

Art.  52.  Todos  los  poderes 
publicos  son  limitados  y  ejercen 
separadamente  sus  respectivas 
atribuciones. 


TITLE  v. 

THE  BRANCHES  OF  THE  GOVERN- 
MENT. 

Art.  51.  The  Government  of 
the  Republic  is  divided  into  three 
branches,  namely:  the  legislative, 
the  executive,  and  the  judicial. 

Art.  52.  The  powers  of  each 
branch  of  the  Government  are 
limited  and  exercised  separately. 


TITULO  VI. 
DEL  PODER  LEGISLATIVO. 

Art.  53.  El  Poder  Legislativo 
se  ejerce  por  una  Corporacion 
denominada  Asamblea  Nacional, 
compuesta  de  tantos  Diputados 
cuantos  correspondan  a  los  circulos 
electorales,  a  razon  de  uno  por 
cada  diez  mil  habitantes  v  uno  mas 


TITLE  VI. 

the  legislative  power. 

Art.  53.  The  legislative  power 
is  exercised  by  a  body  called  the 
National  Assembly,  composed  of 
as  many  deputies  as  correspond  to 
the  electoral  districts,  at  the  rate 
of  one  for  every  ten  thousand  in- 
habitants and  one  in  addition  for 


360a— vol  1—06- 


-26 


402 


REPUBLIC    OF    PANAMA. 


por  un  residuo  que  no  baje  de 
cinco  mil,  elegidos  por  un  periodo 
de  cuatro  anos. 

Habra  suplentes  que  reemplacen 
a  los  principales  en  las  faltas  abso- 
lutas  6  temporales. 

Art.  54.  La  Asaniblea  Nacional 
se  reunira,  sin  necesidad  de  convo- 
catoria,  en  la  capital  de  la  Repu- 
blica  cada  dos  anos,  el  dia  primero 
de  Septiembre. 

Art.  55.  La  duracion  de  las 
sesiones  ordinarias  de  la  Asaniblea 
Nacional  sera  de  noventa  dias,  que, 
en  caso  de  necesidad,  la  misma 
Asaniblea  prorrogara  hasta  por 
treinta  dias  iinis.  El  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  podrti  convocar  a 
sesiones  extraordinarias  por  el 
tiempo  que  el  seiiale  y  para  tratar 
exclusivainente  los  asuntos  que  le 
sonieta. 

Art.  56.  Para  ser  Diputado  a 
la  Asamblea  Nacional  se  requiere 
ser  ciudadano  en  ejercicio,  y  haber 
cumplido  veinticinco  anos  de  edad. 


Art.  57.  Los  miembros  de  la 
Asamblea  Nacional  son  irrespon- 
sables  por  las  opiniones  y  votos 
que  emitan,  ya  de  palabra,  ya  por 
escrito,  en  el  ejercicio  de  su  cargo, 
y  en  ningun  tiempo  ni  por  auto- 
ridad  alguna  podran  ser  perse- 
guidos,  con  este  motivo. 

Art.  58.  El  Presidente  de  la  Re- 

{mblica,  los  Secretarios  de  Estado, 
os  Magistrados  de  la  Corte  Su- 
prema  de  Justicia  y  el  Procurador 
General  de  la  Nacion  no  podran 
ser  elegidos  Diputados  a  la  Asam- 
blea sino  seis  meses  despues  de 
haber  cesado  en  el  ejercicio  de  sus 
funciones.  Igual  inhabilidad  al- 
canzara  a  los  ciudadanos  que  hay  an 
ejercido  el  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

Art.  59.  Tampoco  es  elegible 
Diputado  a  la  Asamblea  ningun 
otro  empleado  con  jurisdiccion  6 
mando   por  circuito  electoral  en 


a  fraction  of  not  less  than  five 
thousand.  The  deputies  are 
elected  for  a  period  of  four  years. 

There  shall  be  substitutes  to 
take  the  places  of  the  regular 
incumbents  in  case  they  fail  to 
appear  absolutely  or  temporarily. 

Art.  54.  The  National  Assem- 
bly shall  meet,  without  the  neces- 
sity of  a  call,  in  the  capital  of  the 
Republic,  every  two  years,  on  the 
first  day  of  September. 

Art.  55.  The  duration  of  the 
regular  sessions  of  the  National 
Assembly  shall  be  ninety  days, 
which,  in  case  of  necessity,  the 
Assembly  itself  shall  extend  for 
as  much  as  thirty  days.  The  Pros  - 
ident  of  the  Republic  may  call  an 
extra  session  for  such  period  as  he 
may  indicate  and  to  deal  exclu- 
sively with  such  matters  as  he  may 
submit  to  it. 

Art.  56.  The  deputies  to  the 
National  Assembly  shall  be  citi- 
zens who  have  attained  the  age  of 
twenty-five  years  and  are  in  the 
full  enjoyment  of  their  civil  and 
political  rights. 

Art.  57.  The  members  of  the 
National  Assembly  shall  not  be 
responsible  for  their  opinions  or 
votes,  given  orally  or  in  writing, 
in  the  discharge  of  their  duties, 
and  at  no  time  or  by  any  authority 
shall  they  be  prosecuted  on  this 
account. 

Art.  58.  The  President  of  the 
Republic,  the  secretaries  of  state, 
the  justices  of  the  supreme  court, 
and  the  attorney -general  of  the 
nation  shall  not  be  eligible  to 
membership  in  the  Assembly  un- 
less they  shall  have  ceased  to  ex- 
ercise their  functions  for  a  period 
of  six  months.  Citizens  who  have 
exercised  the  executive  power 
shall  be  affected  by  the  same  dis- 
ability. 

Art.  59.  In  like  manner  no 
other  officer  shall  be  eligible  as  a 
deputy  to  the  Assembly  who  is 
vested  with  jurisdiction  or  com- 


CONSTITUTION. 


403 


donde  hay  a  ejercido  su  autoridad 
noventa  dias  antes  al  de  las  vota- 
ciones. 

Art.  60.  Veinte  dias  antes  de 
principiarse  las  sesiones,  durante 
ellas  y  veinte  dias  despues,  ningun 
miembro  de  la  Asamblea  Nacional 
podra  ser  llamado  a  juicio  crimi- 
nal sin  permiso  de  esta. 


En  caso  de  flagrante  delito,  po- 
dra ser  detenido  el  delincuente  y 
sera  puesto  inmediatamente  a  dis- 
position de  dicha  Corporation. 
Tampoco  podran  ser  demandados 
civilmente,  durante  el  mismo  ter- 
mino. 

Art.  61.  Ningun  aumento  de 
dietas  6  de  viaticos  se  hara  ef ectivo 
sino  despues  que  hayan  cesado  en 
sus  funciones  los  miembros  de  la 
Asamblea  en  que  hubiere  sido 
votado. 

Art.  62.  Los  Diputados  a  la 
Asamblea  no  podran  hacer  por  si 
mismos,  ni  por  interpuesta  perso- 
na, contrato  alguno  con  la  Admi- 
nistration ni  admitir  de  nadie 
poder  para  gestionar  negocios  que 
tengan  relation  con  el  Gobierno. 

Art.  63.  En  caso  de  falta  de  un 
miembro  de  la  Asamblea  Nacional, 
sea  accidental  6  absoluta,  los  sub- 
rogara  el  suplente  legal. 

Cuando  algun  Diputado  se  retire 
de  las  sesiones,  6  fuere  reempla- 
zado  por  un  suplente,  correspon- 
deran  al  primero  los  viaticos  de 
marcha  a  la  capital,  y  al  segundo 
los  de  regreso  a  su  domicilio. 

Art.  61.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  no  puede  conf  erir  otros 
empleos  a  los  Diputados  a  la 
Asamblea  que  los  de  Secretario  de 
Estado,  Gobernadores  de  Provin- 
cia,  6  Agente  Diplomatico  6  con- 
sular. 

La  aceptacion  de  cualquiera  de 
estos  empleos  producira  la  perdida 
de  la  Diputacion. 


mand  in  an  electoral  district  and 
has  exercised  his  authority  therein 
ninety  days  before  the  day  of  elec- 
tion. 

Art.  60.  For  twenty  days  be- 
fore the  opening  of  the  sessions, 
during  the  said  sessions,  and  for 
twenty  days  thereafter,  no  mem- 
bers of  the  National  Assembly 
shall  be  subject  to  criminal  trial 
without  the  assent  of  the  Assem- 
bly. 

In  cases  of  flagranti  delicto,  a 
member  may  be  arrested  and  im- 
mediately placed  at  the  disposal  of 
the  said  body.  Members  shall 
likewise  be  free  from  civil  actions 
during  the  same  period. 

Art.  61.  No  increase  of  per 
diem  or  mileage  allowances  shall 
become  effective  until  after  the 
term  of  the  members  of  the  Assem- 
bly which  voted  the  said  increase 
shall  have  expired. 

Art.  62.  The  deputies  of  the 
Assembly  shall  not  enter,  directly 
or  indirectly,  into  any  contract 
with  the  administration,  nor  shall 
they  accept  from  any  one  powers 
of  attorney  to  transact  business 
connected  with  the  Government. 

Art.  63.  In  cases  of  temporary 
or  permanent  absence  of  a  deputy, 
his  place  shall  be  tilled  by  his  sub- 
stitute. 

When  the  deputy  withdraws 
from  the  session,  and  is  replaced 
by  a  substitute,  the  former  shall 
be  entitled  to  mileage  from  his 
place  of  residence  to  the  capital 
and  the  latter  shall  receive  it  from 
the  capital  to  his  own  domicile. 

Art.  64.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  shall  not  confer  on  the 
deputies  of  the  National  Assembly 
other  offices  than  those  of  secre- 
tary of  state,  governor  of  a  Prov- 
ince, or  diplomatic  or  consular 
agent. 

The  acceptance  of  any  one  of 
those  offices  shall  cause  the  deputy 
to  lose  his  seat. 


404 


REPUBLIC    OF   PANAMA. 


Art.  65.  Son  funciones  legis- 
late vas  de  la  Asamblea  Nacional: 

1.  Expedir  los  Codigos  nacio- 
nales  y  las  leyes  necesanas  para  el 
arreglo  de  la  Administracion  en 
todos  sus  raraos,  reformarlos  }T 
derogarlos. 

2.  Determinar  la  bandera  y  el 
escudo  de  armas  de  la  Repiiblica. 

3.  Crear  6  suprimir  empleos; 
determinar  expresamente  las  fun- 
ciones, deberes  y  atribuciones  que 
lescorrespondan;  fi jar  los  periodos 
y  senalar  los  sueldos. 

4.  Aprobar  6  improbar  los 
tratados  piiblicos  que  celebre  el 
Poder  Ejeeutivo,  requisito  sin  el 
cual  no  podran  ser  ratificados  ni 
canjeados. 

5.  Aprobar  6  desaprobar  los 
contratos  6  convenios  que  celebre 
el  Presidente  de  la  Republica  con 
particulares,  companias  6  enti- 
dades  politicas,  en  los  cuales  tenga 
interes  la  Nacion,  si  no  hubieren 
sido  previamente  autorizados,  6  si 
no  se  hubieren  llenado  en  ellos  las 
formalidades  prescritas  por  la 
Asamblea  Nacional,  6  si  algunas 
estipulaciones  que  contengan  no 
estuvieren  ajustadas  a  la  respectiva 
ley  de  autorizaciones. 

6.  Conceder  autorizaciones  al 
Poder  Ejeeutivo  para  celebrar  con- 
tratos, negociar  emprestitos,  ena- 
jenar  bienes  nacionales  y  ejercer 
otras  funciones  dentro  de  la  orbita 
constitucional. 

7.  Deere  tar  la  guerra,  y  facul- 
tar  al  Poder  Ejeeutivo  para  hacer 
la  paz. 

8.  Designar  el  lugar  en  donde 
deban  residir  los  altos  Poderes 
Piiblicos. 

9.  Dividir  el  territorio  de  la  Re- 
piiblica en  circuitos  electorales. 

10.  Limitar  6  regular  la  apro- 
piacion  6  adjudicacion  de  tierras 
baldias. 

11.  Fijar  el  pie  de  fuerza  en 
tiempo  de  paz. 

12.  Organizar  la  Policia  na- 
cional. 


Art.  65.  The  following  are  leg- 
islative functions  of  the  National 
Assembly: 

1.  To  issue  national  codes  and 
the  laws  necessaiy  for  the  admin- 
istration of  the  Government  in  all 
its  branches,  and  to  revise  or  re- 
peal them. 

2.  To  determine  the  flag  and 
the  coat-of-arms  of  the  Republic. 

3.  To  create  or  abolish  offices, 
and  specify  their  functions,  duties, 
and  powers;  to  fix  the  terms  of 
office  and  to  designate  salaries. 

4.  To  grant  or  refuse  its  ap- 
proval topublic  treaties  negotiated 
by  the  Executive;  without  such 
approval  they  can  neither  be  rati- 
fied nor  exchanged. 

5.  To  approve  or  disapprove 
contracts  or  agreements  made  by 
the  President  of  the  Republic  with 
private  persons,  companies,  or 
political  entities,  in  which  the 
Nation  may  be  interested,  if  they 
have  not  been  previously  author- 
ized, or  if  the  formalities  pre- 
scribed by  the  National  Assembly 
have  not  been  observed,  or  if  any 
of  the  stipulations  therein  con- 
tained are  not  in  accordance  with 
the  law  authorizing  them. 

6.  To  grant  authority  to  the  Ex- 
ecutive to  conclude  treaties,  nego- 
tiate loans,  alienate  national  prop- 
eiTy,  and  exercise  other  functions 
within  the  limits  of  the  constitu- 
tion. 

7.  To  declare  war,  and  to  au- 
thorize the  Executive  to  make 
peace. 

8.  To  designate  the  place  where 
the  supreme  branches  of  the  Gov- 
ernment are  to  be  located. 

9.  To  divide  the  territory  of  the 
Republic  into  electoral  districts. 

10.  To  define  and  regulate  the 
concessions  of  public  lands. 

11.  To  fix  the  strength  of  the 
standing  army  in  time  of  peace. 

12.  To  organize  the  national  po- 
lice. 


CONSTITUTION. 


405 


13.  Promover  y  f omental-  la  edu- 
cacion  piiblica,  las  ciencias  y  las 
artes. 

14.  Decretar  los  monumentos 
que  liaya  de  erigir  el  Estado,  y 
otras  obras  publicas  que  deban  em- 
prenderse  con  recursos  nacionales. 


15.  Fomentar  las  empresas  utiles 
6  beneficas  dignas  de  estimulo  y 
apoyo,  y  decretar  auxilios. 

16.  Dictar  las  leyes  conducentes 
a  levantar  el  censo  de  la  poblacion 
y  formar  la  Estadistica  nacional. 

17.  Conceder  amnistias,  pero  si 
hubiere  responsabilidad  civil  res- 
pecto  de  particulares,  la  Repiiblica 
estara  obligada  al  pago  de  las  in- 
demnizaciones. 

18.  Organizar  el  credito  publico. 

19.  Reconocer  la  deuda  nacional 
y  regularizar  su  servicio. 

20.  Decretar  los  gastos  de  la 
Administracion,  con  vista  de  los 
Eresupuestos  que  le  presente  el 
Poder  Ejecutivo,  conformandose 
6  no  con  ellos. 

Si  por  cualquier  motivo  no  se 
expidiere  el  presupuesto  por  la 
Asamblea  Nacional,  continuara  en 
vigor  el  de  la  vigencia  economica 
anterior. 

21.  Establecer  impuestos,  con- 
tribuciones  y  rentas  para  atender 
al  servicio  publico. 

22.  Decretar  la  enajenacion  de 
bienes  nacionales  6  su  aplicacion  a 
usos  piiblicos. 

23.  Determinar  la  ley,  peso, 
valor,  forma,  tipo  y  denomina- 
ciones  de  la  moneda  nacional,  y 
arreglar  el  sistema  de  pesas  y 
medidas. 

24.  Aumentar  6  disminuir  el  nii- 
mero  de  las  Provincias  y  Distritos 
Municipales,  y  variar  sus  limites. 


25.  Dictar  el  reglamento  de 
resrimen  interior. 


regimen  interior. 


su 


13.  To  promote  public  educa- 
tion, as  well  as  sciences  and  arts. 

14.  To  decree  the  construction 
of  public  buildings  which  may  be 
necessary  for  the  Government,  and 
of  all  other  public  works  which  are 
to  be  undertaken  at  national  ex- 
pense. 

15.  To  promote  and  subsidize 
useful  or  beneficial  enterprises 
worthy  of  furtherance  and  sup- 
port 

16.  To  enact  such  laws  as  shall 
be  necessary  for  taking  the  census 
of  the  population  and  gathering 
national  statistics. 

17.  To  grant  amnesties,  but  if 
any  civil  liability  is  incurred  with 
respect  to  private  persons,  the  Re- 
public shall  be  obliged  to  pay  the 
indemnities. 

18.  To  organize  the  public  credit. 

19.  To  acknowledge  the  national 
debt  and  regulate  the  service 
thereof. 

20.  To  make  appropriations  for 
the  expenses  of  the  Administration, 
upon  examination  of  the  estimates 
presented  by  the  Executive,  which 
may  or  may  not  be  approved. 

If  for  any  reason  whatever  the 
appropriation  bill  is  not  passed  by 
the  National  Assembly,  the  act  of 
the  preceding  year  shall  continue 
in  force. 

21.  To  create  such  taxes  and 
revenues  as  may  be  necessan-  to 
carry  on  the  public  service. 

22.  To  decree  the  alienation  of 
national  property,  or  its  applica- 
tion to  public  uses. 

23.  To  determine  the  fineness, 
weight,  value,  form,  and  denomi- 
nations of  the  national  coins,  and 
regulate  the  system  of  weights 
and  measures. 

24.  To  increase  or  diminish  the 
number  of  provinces  and  municipal 
districts,  and  to  change  their 
boundaries. 

25.  To  frame  regulations  for 
their  internal  administration. 


406 


REPUBLIC    OF    PANAMA. 


Art.  66.  Son  funciones  judi- 
ciales  de  la  Asamblea  Nacional: 

1.  Conocer  de  las  denuncias  y 
quejas  que  .se  presenten  contra  el 
Presidente  de  la  Republica  6  el  En- 
cargado  del  Poder  Ejecutivo,  en 
loscasos  en  que  sean  responsables; 
los  Secretaries  de  Estado,  los  Ma- 

fistrados  de  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
usticia  y  el  Procurador  General 
de  la  Nacion. 

2.  Juzgar  al  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  6  al  Encargado  del  Po- 
der Ejecutivo,  de  acuerdo  con  esta 
Constitucion;  a  los  Secretaries  de 
Estado,  a  los  Magistrados  de  la 
Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia  y  al 
PrOcurador  General  de  la  Nacion, 
cuando  se  les  acuse  de  actos  ejecu 
tados,  en  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones, 
contra  la  seguridad  del  Estado, 
contra  el  libre  funcionamiento  de 
los  Poderes  Piiblicos,  6  violatorios 
de  la  Constitucion  y  leyes  nacio- 
nales. 

La  ley  senalara  los  tramites  que 
deban  seguirse  y  las  penas  que 
hayan  de  aplicarse. 

Art.  67.  Son  funciones  adminis- 
trativas  de  la  Asamblea  Nacional : 

1.  Examinar  las  credenciales  de 
sus  propios  miembros  y  decidir  si 
estan  6  no  en  la  forma  que  pres- 
criba  la  ley. 

2.  Rehabilitar  a  los  que  hayan 
perdido  la  ciudadania. 

3.  Admitir  6  no  las  renuncias 
que  hagan  de  sus  empleos  el  Presi- 
dente de  la  Republica  6  los  De- 
signados. 

4.  Elegir  en  sesiones  ordinarias, 
y  para  un  bienio,  tres  Designados 
que,  en  defecto  del  Presidente  de 
la  Republica,  y,  en  su  orden, 
ejerzan  el  Poder  Ejecutivo. 


Cuando  por  cualquiera  causa  la 
Asamblea  Nacional  no  hubiere 
hecho  la  eleccion  de  Designados, 
conservaran  el  caracter  de  tales 
los  anteriormente  elegidos,  en  su 
orden. 


Art.  G6.  The  judicial  functions 
of  the  National  Assembly  are: 

1.  To  take  cognizance  of  charges 
and  complaints  made  against  the 
President  or  the  person  in  charge 
of  the  Executive  power,  in  cases 
involving  their  responsibilit}*,  the 
secretaries  of  state,  the  justices  of 
the  supreme  court,  and  the  attor- 
ney-general of  the  Nation. 

2.  To  try  the  President  of  the 
Republic,  or  person  in  charge  of 
the  Executive  power,  in  accordance 
with  this  Constitution;  the  secre- 
taries of  state,  the  justices  of  the 
supreme  court,  and  the  attorney- 
general,  when  charged  with 'of- 
fenses committed  in  th$  perform- 
ance of  their  functions,  against 
the  safet}T  of  the  State,  the  free 
operation  of  the  public  powers, 
or  in  violation  of  the  national 
Constitution  and  laws. 

The  procedure  to  be  followed  in 
such  cases  and  the  penalties  to  be 
imposed  shall  be  determined  by 
law. 

Art.  67.  The  executive  func- 
tions of  the  National  Assembly  are : 

1.  To  inspect  the  credentials  of 
its  own  members  and  to  decide 
whether  or  not  the  said  credentials 
are  in  the  form  prescribed  by  law. 

2.  To  restore  to  citizenship 
those  who  may  have  lost  it. 

3.  To  accept  or  refuse  to  accept 
the  resignations  of  the  President 
of  the  Republic  or  the  "desig- 
nados." 

4.  To  elect  at  the  ordinary  ses- 
sion and  for  a  term  of  two  years, 
three  "designados,"  who,  in  the 
absence  of  the  President  of  the 
Republic,  shall  exercise  the  Exec- 
utive power  in  the  cases  and  in 
the  manner  provided  by  law. 

When,  for  any  reason,  the  Na- 
tional Assembly  fails  to  elect "  des- 
ignados," those  formerhr  elected 
shall  continue  as  such  in  their  or- 
der. 


CONSTITUTION. 


407 


5.  Nombrar  los  jueces  del  Tri- 
bunal de  Cuentas. 

6.  Nombrar  Visitador  Fiscal  de 
todas  las  Oficinas  de  Hacienda  de 
la  Republica. 

7.  Nombrar  Comisiones  para 
demarcar  los  limites  de  la  Nacion. 

8.  Pedir  a  los  Secretarios  de 
Estado  los  inf ormes  verbales  6  por 
escrito  que  necesite. 

9.  Examinar  y  fenecer  definiti- 
vamente  en  cada  reunion  ordinaria 
la  cuenta  general  del  Tesoro  que 
el  Poder  Ejecutivo  le  presente. 

10.  Conceder  licencia  al  Presi- 
dente  de  la  Republica  6  al  Encar- 
gado  del  Poder  Ejecutivo. 

11.  Permitir  6  negar  la  estadia 
de  buques  de  guerra  extranjeros 
en  los  puertos  de  la  Republica 
cuando  excediere  de  dos  meses. 

Art.  68.  Es  prohibido  a  la 
Asamblea  Nacional: 

1.  Deere  tar  gratificaciones,  in- 
demnizaciones,  pensiones,  ni  otra 
erogacion  que  no  este  destinada  a 
satisfacer  creditos  6  derechos  re- 
conocidos  con  arreglo  a  la  ley  pre- 
existente,  salvo  lo  dispuesto  en  el 
articulo  65. 

2.  Decretar  actos  de  proscrip- 
cion  6  persecucion  contra  personas 
6  corporaciones. 

3.  Dar  votos  de  aplauso  6  cen- 
sura  respecto  de  actos  oficiales. 

1.  Dirigir  excitaciones  a  fun- 
cionarios  publicos. 

TITUL.O  VII. 
DEL  PODER  EJECUTIVO. 

Art.  69.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo  se 
ejerce  por  un  Magistrado  que  se 
denominara  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica, quien  tendra  para  su  Des^ 
pacho  el  nurnero  de  Secretarios 
que  la  ley  determine. 

El  Presidente  entrara  en  ejer- 
cicio  de  sus  funciones  constitu- 
cionales  el  dia  primero  de  Octubre 
proximo  al  de  su  eleccion,  y  durara 
cuatro  anos  en  su  empleo. 


5.  To  appoint  the  members  of 
the  court  of  accounts. 

6.  To  appoint  an  Inspector  of 
all  the  treasury  offices  of  the  Re- 
public. 

7.  To  appoint  commissions  for 
the  demarcation  of  the  boundaries 
of  the  Nation. 

8.  To  call  upon  the  secretaries 
of  state  for  such  oral  or  written 
information  as  it  may  need. 

9.  To  examine  and  finally  ap- 
prove at  each  ordinary  session  the 
general  account  of  the  treasury 
submitted  by  the  Executive. 

10.  To  grant  leaves  of  absence 
to  the  President  of  the  Republic 
or  to  the  person  in  charge  of  the 
executive  power. 

11.  To  permit  or  refuse  the  so- 
journing of  foreign  war  vessels  in 
the  ports  of  the  Republic  when 
the  stay  is  longer  than  two  months. 

Art.  68.  The  National  Assem- 
bly is  prohibited: 

1.  From  allowing  b}7  decree 
gratuities,  indemnities,  pensions, 
or  other  expenditures  not  intended 
for  the  settlement  of  debts  or 
rights  recognized  in  accordance 
with  the  existing  law,  except  as 
provided  in  article  65. 

2.  From  passing  acts  of  pro- 
scription or  persecution  against 
any  persons  or  corporations, 

3.  From  passing  resolutions  of 
approval  or  censure  of  official  acts. 

4.  From  making  suggestions  to 
public  officers. 

TITLE  VII. 

THE  EXECUTIVE  POWER. 

Art.  69.  The  executive  power 
is  exercised  by  a  magistrate  to  be 
called  President  of  the  Republic, 
who  shall  have  for  the  discharge  of 
his  functions  the  number  of  secre- 
taries determined  by  law. 

The  President  shall  enter  upon 
the  discharge  of  his  constitutional 
functions  on  the  first  day  of  Octo- 
ber following  that  of  his  election, 
and  shall  remain  in  office  for  a  term 
of  four  years. 


408 


EEPUBLIC    OF   PANAMA. 


En  la  misma  ley  se  determinara 
tambien  la  nomenclatura  y  prece- 
dencia  de  los  Secretarios  del  Des- 
pacho. 

Akt.  70.  Para  ser  Presidente  de 
la  Repiiblica  se  requiere: 

1.  Ser  panameno  de  nacimiento. 

2.  Haber  cumplido  treinta  y 
cinco  anos  de  edad. 

Art.  71.  El  Presidente  de  la  Re- 

f)tiblica  electo,  6  el  ciudadano  que 
legue  a  reemplazarlo,  tomara  po- 
sesion  de  su  destino  ante  el  Pre- 
sidente de  la  Asamblea  y  presta- 
ra  juramento  en  estos  terminos: 
"  Juro  a  Dios  y  a  la  Patria  cum- 
plir  fielmente  la  Constitucion  y 
leyes  de  Panama." 

Art.  72.  Si  por  cualquier  motivo 
el  Presidente  de  la  Republica  no 
pudiere  tomar  posesion  ante  el  de  la 
Asamblea  Nacional,  lo  verificara 
ante  el  de  la  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia  y,  en  def ecto  de  este,  ante 
dos  testigos. 

Art.  73.  Son  atribuciones  del 
Presidente  de  la  Republica: 

1.  Nombrar  y  separar  libre- 
mente  los  Secretarios  de  Estado, 
los  Gobernadores  de  las  Provincias 
y  las  personas  que  deban  desempe- 
nar  cualesquiera  empleos  naciona- 
les,  cuya  provision  no  corresponda 
a  otros  funcionarios  6  corpora- 
ciones. 

2.  Velar  por  la  conservacion  del 
orden  publico. 

3.  Dirigir  las  relaciones  diplo- 
maticas  y  comerciales  con  las  de- 
mas  naciones;  nombrarlibremente 
y  recibir  a  los  Agentes  respecti- 
vos,  y  celebrar  tratados  publicos 
y  convenios,  los  que  seran  someti- 
dos  para  su  aprobacion  a  la  Asam- 
blea Nacional. 

4.  Cuidar  de  que  la  Asamblea 
Nacional  se  reuna  el  dia  senalado 
por  la  Constitucion  6  por  la  reso- 
lution 6  decreto  en  que  haya  sido 
convocada  a  sesiones  extraordina- 
rias,  dando  con  oportunidad  las 
disposiciones    convenientes    para 


The  law  shall  determine  the 
names  of  the  departments  and  the 
order  of  precedence  of  the  secreta  - 
ries. 

Art.  70.  To  be  President  of  the 
Republic  it  shall  be  required: 

1.  To  be  a  citizen  of  Panama  by 
birth. 

2.  To  be  at  least  thirty-five 
years  old. 

Art.  71.  The  President-elect,  or 
the  citizen  who  takes  his  place, 
shall  take  before  the  president  of 
the  Assembly  the  following  oath 
of  office :  "I  swear  before  God  and 
before  the  country  that  I  shall 
faithfully  comply  with  the  Con- 
stitution and  the  laws  of  Panama." 

Art.  72.  If,  for  an}^  reason  what- 
ever, the  President  cannot  take 
the  oath  before  the  president  of  the 
National  Assembly,  he  shall  take 
it  before  the  president  of  the 
supreme  court,  and  failing  this, 
before  two  witnesses. 

Art.  73.  The  duties  of  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic  are: 

1.  To  appoint  and  remove, 
freely,  the  secretaries  of  state,  the 
governors  of  the  Provinces,  and 
all  officials,  whose  appointment 
does  not  belong  to  the  other 
branches  of  the  government. 


2.  To  maintain  public  order. 

3.  To  conduct  the  diplomatic  and 
commercial  relations  with  other 
nations,  freely  to  appoint  and  re- 
ceive the  respective  agents,  and  to 
conclude  public  treaties  and  con- 
ventions which  shall  be  submitted 
to  the  National  Assembly  for  its 
approval. 

4.  To  take  care  that  the  National 
Assembly  shall  meet  on  the  day 
appointed  by  the  Constitution  or 
by  the  resolution  or  decree  by 
which  extraordinary  sessions  may 
be  called,  and  to  take  in  good  time 
the  necessary    measures  for  the 


CONSTITUTION. 


409 


que  los  Diputados  reciban  los  auxi- 
lios  de  marcha  que  les  senala  la  ley. 

5.  Presentar  al  principio  de  cada 
legislatura,  el  primer  dia  de  sus 
sesiones  ordinarias,  un  mensaje 
sobre  los  asuntos  de  la  Adminis- 
tracion. 

6.  Dar  a  la  Asamblea  los  in- 
formes  especiales  que  de  el  solicite. 

7.  Sancionar  y  promulgar  las 
leyes,  obedecerlas  y  velar  por  su 
exacto  cumplimiento. 

8.  Enviar,  dentro  de  los  diez 
primeros  dias  de  las  sesiones  ordi- 
narias, a  la  Asamblea  Nacional 
el  Presupuesto  de  Rentas  y  Gastos 
para  el  bienio  siguiente  y  la  cuenta 
general  del  Presupuesto  y  del 
Tesoro. 

9.  Vigilar  la  recaudaci6n  y  ad- 
ministracion  de  las  rentas  de  la 
Republica  y  decretar  su  inversion 
con  arreglo  a  las  leyes. 

10.  Celebrar  contratos  ad  minis 
trativos  para  la  prestacion  de  ser- 
vicio  y  ejecucion  de  obras  publicas, 
con  arreglo  a  las  leyes  fiscales  y 
con  la  obligacion  de  dar  cuenta  a 
la  Asamblea  en  sus  sesiones  ordi- 
narias. 

11.  Conceder  patentes  de  privi- 
leges utiles  conforme  a  las  leyes. 

12.  Dar  cartas  de  naturalizacion, 
conforme  a  las  leyes. 

13.  Conceder  a  los  nacionales 
que  lo  soliciten  permiso  para  acep- 
tar  cargos  6  distinciones  de  Gobier- 
nos  extranjeros. 

14.  Dirigir,  reglamentar  e  ins- 
peccionar  la  instruccion  publica 
nacional. 

15.  Velar  sobre  la  buena  marcha 
de  los  establecimientos  publicos  de 
la  Nacion. 

16.  Sancionar,  promulgar  y  ha- 
cer  cumplir  todas  aquellas  dispo- 
siciones  sanitarias  que  dicte  la 
Junta  Nacional  de  Higiene. 

17.  Nombrar  los  Magistrados  de 
la  Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia,  el 


payment   to  the  deputies  of   the 
mileage  allowed  them  by  law. 

5.  To  submit  at  the  beginning 
of  each  session  and  on  the  first 
day  of  its  ordinary  sessions  a  mes- 
sage relating  to  the  affairs  of  the 
administration. 

6.  To  furnish  the  Assembly  with 
such  special  information  as  the 
latter  may  call  for. 

7.  To  sanction  and  promulgate 
the  laws,  obey  them,  and  see  to 
their  exact  execution. 

8.  To  submit,  within  the  first 
ten  days  of  the  regular  sessions  of 
the  National  Assembly,  the  esti- 
mates of  receipts  and  expendi- 
tures for  the  following  two  years, 
and  the  general  account  of  the 
budget  and  of  the  treasury. 

9.  To  supervise  the  collection 
and  management  of  the  revenues 
of  the  Republic  and  to  order  their 
disbursement  in  accordance  with 
the  laws. 

10.  To  conclude  administrative 
contracts  for  the  performance  of 
services  and  the  execution  of  pub- 
lic works  in  accordance  with  the 
fiscal  laws,  with  the  obligation  of 
reporting  thereon  to  the  Assembly 
in  its  ordinary  sessions. 

11.  To  grant  patents  of  useful 
inventions  in  conformity  with  the 
laws. 

12.  To  issue  naturalization  pa- 
pers in  conformity  with  the  laws. 

13.  To  allow  Panamans,  who 
request  it,  to  accept  positions  or 
distinctions  from  foreign  govern- 
ments. 

14.  To  control,  regulate  and 
supervise  national  public  instruc- 
tion. 

15.  To  take  care  that  the  public 
institutions  of  the  Nation  are  prop- 
perly  conducted. 

1.6.  To  sanction,  promulgate  and 
enforce  all  sanitary  regulations 
enacted  by  the  national  board  of 
health. 

17.  To  appoint,  according  to 
law,  the  justices  of  the  supreme 


410 


KEPUBLIC    OF   PANAMA. 


Procurador  General  de  la  Nation, 
los  Fiscales  y  Personeros,  de  acuer- 
do  con  los  requisitos  exigidos  por 
la  le}'. 

18.  Concederindultos,conmutar 
y  rebajar  penas  con  arreglo  a  la 
ley  que  regule  el  ejercicio  de  esta 
facultad. 

19.  Conf erir  grados  militares,  de 
acuerdo  con  las  f  ormalidades  cons- 
titucionales  y  legales. 

20.  Disponer  de  la  Fuerza  Pu- 
blica,  como  Jefe  Supremo  de  la 
Nation. 

Art.  74.  Ningun  acto  del  Presi- 
dente  de  la  Republica,  excepto  el 
de  nombramiento  6  remocion  de 
Secretarios  de  Estado,  tendra  valor 
ni  fuerza  alguna  mientras  no  sea 
refrendado  y  comunicado  por  el 
Secretario  de  Estado  del  ramo 
respectivo,  quien  por  el  mismo 
hecho  se  eonstituj^e  responsable. 

Art.  75.  El  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica 6  el  encargado  del  Poder 
Ejecutivo  podra  separarse  del  ejer- 
cicio de  sus  funciones  con  licencia 
que  sera  concedida  por  la  Asam- 
blea  National  y  en  receso  de  esta, 
por  la  Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia. 


Por  motivo  de  enfermedad,  bas- 
tara  el  aviso  previo  a  la  respectiva 
Corporation. 

Art.  76.  El  Presidente,  en  ejer- 
cicio de  sus  funciones  y  por  interes 
publico,  puede  visitar  por  el  tiempo 
que  juzgue  conveniente  cualquier 
punto  de  la  Republica. 

Art.  77.  Los  emoluraentos  que 
la  ley  asigne  al  Presidente  de  la 
Republica  no  podran  ser  alterados 
en  el  mismo  periodo  para  el  cual 
hayan  sido  fijados. 

Art.  78.  El  Presidente  de  la 
Republica,  6  quien  lo  sustituya  en 
sus  funciones,  solo  es  responsable 
en  los  casos  siguientes: 

1.  Por  extralimitacion  de  sus 
funciones  constitucionales. 

2.  Por  actos  de  violencia  6  co- 
accion  en  las  elecciones,  6  que  im- 


court,  the  attorney -general,  and 
the  public  prosecutors  and  their 
deputies. 

18.  To  grant,  according  to  law, 
pardons  and  commutations  of 
sentences. 

19.  To  grant,  according  to  the 
constitution  and  the  laws,  militar}r 
ranks  and  positions. 

20.  To  dispose  of  the  public 
forces  as  supreme  chief  Magistrate 
of  the  Nation. 

Art.  74.  All  acts  of  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic,  except  the 
appointments  or  removals  of  his 
secretaries  of  state,  shall  be  with- 
out any  validit3T  or  force  unless 
they  are  countersigned  by  the  sec- 
retary of  the  department  to  which 
they  pertain,  said  secretary  to 
become  responsible  therefor  by 
signing  them. 

Art.  75.  The  President  of  the 
Republic,  or  the  person  in  charge 
of  the  Executive  power,  may  dis- 
continue the  discharge  of  his  duties 
during  a  leave  of  absence  which 
shall  be  granted  by  the  National 
Assembly,  or,  during  the  recess 
of  the  latter,  by  the  supreme 
court. 

In  case  of  illness,  a  previous  no- 
tice to  either  body  will  suffice. 

Art.  76.  The  President,  in  the 
exercise  of  his  functions  and  in 
the  public  interest,  may  visit,  for 
such  time  as  he  may  deem  proper, 
any  part  of  the  Republic. 

Art.  77.  The  salary  allowed  by 
law  to  the  President  of  the  Re- 
public shall  not  be  changed  during 
the  term  for  which  it  has  been 
fixed. 

Art.  78.  The  President  of  the 
Republic  or  whoever  acts  in  his 
place  shall  be  held  responsible  only 
in  the  following  cases: 

1.  For  going  beyond  his  con- 
stitutional powers. 

2.  For  committing  acts  of  vio- 
lence or  coercion  in  elections,  or 


CONSTITUTION. 


411 


pidan  la  reunion  constitucional  de 
la  Asamblea  Nacional,  6  estorben 
a  esta  y  a  las  dermis  Corporaciones 
6  autoridades  publicas  que  esta- 
blece  la  Constitution  el  ejercicio 
de  sus  funciones. 

3.  Por  delitos  de  alta  traicion. 

En  los  dos  primeros  casos,  la 
pena  no  podra  ser  otra  que  la  de 
destitution,  3%  si  hubiere  cesado 
en  el  ejercicio  de  sus  funciones  el 
Presidente,  la  de  inhabilitacion 
para  ejercer  cualquier  cargo  pu- 
blico. 

En  el  ultimo  caso  se  aplicara  el 
Derecho  coraun. 

Art.  79.  Por  falta  accidental  6 
absoluta  del  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica,  ejercera  el  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo  uno  de  los  Designados  en  el 
orden  en  que  hajan  sido  nombra- 
dos. 

Son  faltas  absolutas  iinicas  del 
Presidente,  su  muerte,  su  renuncia 
aceptada  6  su  destitution. 

El  encargado  del  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo  tendra  la  mis  ma  preeminencia 
y  ejercera  las  mismas  atribuciones 
que  el  Presidente  de  la  Republica, 
cuyas  veces  desempena. 

Art.  80.  Para  ser  Designado  se 
requieren  las  mismas  calidades  que 
para  ser  Presidente  de  la  Repu- 
blica. 

Art.  81.  Cuando,  por  cualquier 
motivo,  las  faltas  del  Presidente 
no  pudieren  ser  llenadas  por  los 
Designados,  ejercera  la  Presi- 
dencia  el  Secretario  de  Estado  que, 
por  mayoria  de  votos,  designe  el 
Consejo  de  Gabinete. 

Art.  82.  El  ciudadano  que  haya 
sido  elegido  Presidente  de  la  Re- 
publica no  podra  ser  reelegido  para 
el  perioclo  inmediato,  si  hubiere 
ejercido  la  Presidencia  dentro  de 
los  diez  y  ocho  meses  inmediata- 
mente  precedentes  a  la  nueva 
election. 

Art.  83.  El  ciudadano  que  hu- 
biere sido  llamado  a  ejercer  la 
Presidencia,  y  la  hubiere  ejercido 


preventing  the  meeting  of  the  Na- 
tional Assembly,  or  obstructing 
the  latter  and  the  other  public 
bodies  or  authorities  established 
by  the  Constitution,  in  the  exer- 
cise of  their  functions. 

3.  For  high  treason. 

In  the  first  two  cases  the  penalty 
shall  be  no  other  than  removal 
from  office,  and,  if  the  President 
has  ceased  to  exercise  his  func- 
tions the  penalty  shall  be  disquali- 
fication from  holding  any  other 
public  office. 

In  the  latter  case  the  ordinary 
law  shall  be  applied. 

Art.  79.  In  the  temporary  or 
permanent  absence  of  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic,  the  executive 
power  shall  be  vested  in  one  of 
the  ''designados"  in  the  order  in 
which  they  have  been  elected. 

The  only  cases  of  permanent  ab- 
sence of  the  President  are  his 
death,  his  accepted  resignation,  or 
his  removal. 

The  person  in  charge  of  the  ex- 
ecutive power  shall  enjoy  the  same 
preeminence  and  exercise  the  same 
powers  as  the  President  of  the 
Republic. 

Art.  80.  To  be  a  "designado" 
the  same  qualifications  shall  be 
required  as  for  being  President  of 
the  Republic. 

Art.  81.  When  in  the  absence 
of  the  President  the  vacancy  can 
not  for  any  reason  be  filled  by  the 
"designados,"  the  duties  of  Presi- 
dent shall  devolve  upon  one  of  the 
secretaries  of  state  chosen  at  a 
cabinet  meeting  b}r  a  majority  of 
votes. 

Art.  82.  A  citizen  who  has  been 
elected  President  of  the  Republic 
shall  not  be  reelected  for  the  fol- 
lowing term,  if  he  has  filled  the 
office  of  President  within  the 
eighteen  months  immediate^  pre- 
ceding the  new  election. 

Art.  83.  Citizens  called  upon 
to  fill  the  office  of  President  and 
having  so  filled  it  within   the  six 


412 


REPUBLIC    OB^    PANAMA. 


dentro  de  los  seis  ultinios  meses 
precedentes  al  dia  de  la  eleccion 
del  nuevo  Presidente,  como  ningiin 
pariente  suyo  coraprendido  dentro 
del  cuarto  grado  civil  de  consan- 
guinidad  6  segundo  de  afinidad, 
tampoco  podra  ser  elegido  para 
este  empleo. 

TfTULO    VIII. 

DE  LAS  SECRETARIAS  DE  ESTADO. 

Art.  84.  La  distribution  de  los 
negocios  en  cada  Secretaria  de  Es- 
tado, segun  sus  afinidades,  corres- 
ponde  al  Presidente  de  la  Repu- 
blica. 

Art.  85.  Para  ser  Secretario  de 
Estado  se  requieren  las  mismas 
calidades  que  para  ser  Diputado  a 
la  Asamblea  Nacional. 

Art.  86.  Los  Secretarios  de  Es- 
tado son  organo  unico  de  comuni- 
cacion  del  Poder  Ejecutivo  con  la 
Asamblea  Nacional;  pueden  pro- 
poner  proyectos  de  ley  y  tomar 
parte  en  los  debates. 

Art.  87.  Cada  Secretario  de  Es- 
tado presentara  a  la  Asamblea  Na- 
cional, dentro  de  los  primeros  diez 
dias  de  cada  legislature,  un  in- 
fo rme  6  memoria  sobre  el  estado 
de  los  negocios  adscritos  a  su  De- 
partamento  y  sobre  las  reformas 
que  el  juzgue  oportuno  introducir. 

Art.  88.  La  Asamblea  Nacional 
puede  requerir  la  asistencia  de  los 
Secretarios  de  Estado,  cuando  ella 
lo  tenga  a  bien. 

Art.  89.  El  Consejo  de  Gabinete 
se  compondra  de  todos  los  Secreta- 
rios de  Estado,  y  sera  su  Presidente 
el  de  la  Kepublica. 

tIttjlo  IX. 

DEL  PODER  JUDICIAL. 

Art.  90.  El  Poder  Judicial  se 
ejercera  en  la  Republica  por  una 
Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia,  por  los 
Tribunales  subalternos  y  Juzgados 
ordinarios  que  la  ley  establezca,  y 


months  preceding  the  date  of  elec- 
tion of  the  new  President,  and  any 
relative  of  his  within  the  fourth 
degree  of  consanguinity  or  the 
second  of  affinit}7,  shall  be  also 
barred  from  election  to  this  office. 


TITLE    VIII. 

THE  EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENTS. 

Art.  84.  The  distribution  of 
business  according  to  its  nature 
among  the  several  departments  of 
state  devolves  upon  the  President 
of  the  Republic. 

Art.  85.  In  order  to  be  a  secre- 
tary of  state  the  same  qualifica- 
tions are  necessary  as  for  being  a 
deputy  to  the  National  Assembly. 

Art.  86.  The  secretaries  of  state 
are  the  sole  organs  of  communica- 
tion between  the  Executive  power 
and  the  Najtional  Assembly;  they 
ma}7  introduce  bills  and  take  part 
in  the  debates. 

Art.  87.  Each  secretary  of  state 
shall  present  to  the  National  As- 
sembly, within  ten  days  after  the 
beginning  of  each  session,  a  report 
on  the  condition  of  the  business 
of  his  department  suggesting  such 
reforms  as  he  may  deem  advisable. 

Art.  88.  The  National  Assem- 
bly may  summons  the  secretaries 
of  state  to  appear  before  it  when- 
ever desired. 

Art.  89.  The  cabinet  council 
shall  be  composed  of  all  the  secre- 
taries of  state  and  shall  be  presided 
over  by  the  President  of  the  Re- 
public. 

TITLE  IX. 

THE  JUDICIAL  POWER. 

Art.  90.  The  judicial  power 
shall  be  exercised  in  the  Republic 
b}7  a  supreme  court,  by  such  infe- 
rior and  ordinary  courts  as  the 
law  may   establish,  and    by    any 


CONSTITUTION. 


413 


por  los  demas  Tribunales  6  Comi- 
siones  especiales  que  ha}a  necesi- 
dad  de  crear  de  conformidad  con 
los  Tratados  Publicos. 

La  Asamblea  ejerce  determina- 
das  funciones  judiciales. 

Art.  91.  La  Corte  Suprema  de 
Justicia  se  compondra  de  cinco 
Magistrados  nombrados  para  un 
periodo  de  cuatro  anos.  Habra 
cinco  suplentes  para  el  nrismo 
periodo,  quienes  llenaran,  por  su 
orden,  las  faltas  accidental es  de  los 
Magistrados. 

En  caso  de  falta  absoluta  de 
algun  Magistrado  se  hara  nuevo 
nombramiento. 

El  Magistrado  que  aceptare  em- 
pleo  del  Gobierno  dejara  vacante 
su  puesto. 

Art.  92.  En  los  Tribunales  y 
Juzgados  ordinarios  que  la  ley  es- 
tablezca,  los  Magistrados  y  Jueces 
seran  nombrados  por  la  Corte,  Tri- 
bunal 6  Juez  inmediatemente  su- 
perior en  jerarquia. 

Art.  93.  Para  ser  Magistrado 
de  la  Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia 
se  requiere  ser  panameiTo  de  naci- 
miento  6  por  adopcion,  con  mas  de 
quince  anos  de  residencia  en  la 
Republica;  haber  cumplido  treinta 
anos  de  edad;  estar  en  pleno  goce 
de  los  derechos  civiles  y  politicos; 
tener  diploma  de  abogado,  6  haber 
ejercido  con  buen  credito,  por  diez 
anos  a  lo  menos,  la  profesion  de 
abogado,  6  desempenado  por  igual 
tiempo  funciones  judiciales  6  del 
Ministerio  Publico  y  no  haber  sido 
condenado  a  pena  alguna  por  delito 
comun. 

Las  mismas  calidades  se  requie- 
ren  para  ser  Magistrado  de  los 
Tribunales  de  Justicia  que  es^ablez- 
can  las  leyes. 

Art.  94.  Los  Magistrados  y  los 
Jueces  no  podran  ser  suspendidos 
en  el  ejercido  de  sus  destinos  sino 
en  los  casos  y  con  las  f  ormalidades 
que  determinen  las  leyes,  ni  de- 
puestos  sino  a  virtud  de  sentencia 
judicial. 


other  special  tribunals  or  commis- 
sions which  may  be  created  in 
accordance  with  public  treaties. 

The  Assembly  shall  exercise 
certain  judicial  functions. 

Art.  91.  The  supreme  court 
shall  consist  of  five  justices,  ap- 
pointed for  four  years.  There 
shall  be  five  substitutes,  also  ap- 
pointed for  four  years,  who  shall 
fill,  in  their  order,  an}7  temporary 
vacancy. 

In  the  event  of  permanent  va- 
cancy a  new  appointment  shall  be 
made. 

The  office  of  justice  shall  be  va- 
cated through  the  acceptance  of 
other  offices. 

Art.  92.  The  appointment  of 
the  Judges  of  the  ordinary  courts, 
which  the  law  may  establish,  shall 
be  made  by  the  court  or  judge 
immediately  superior  in  rank. 

Art.  93.  To  be  a  justice  of  the 
supreme  court  it  is  necessary  to 
be  a  citizen  of  Panama  by  birth  or 
by  naturalization,  to  have  resided 
in  the  Republic  for  over  fifteen 
years,  to  be  over  thirty  years  of 
age  and  in  the  full  enjoyment  of 
civil  and  political  rights,  to  be  a 
graduate  in  law,  or  have  practiced 
at  least  for  ten  years  as  a  lawyer 
of  good  standing,  or  discharged, 
during  an  equal  period,  the  duties 
of  judge  or  prosecuting  attorney, 
and  to  have  never  been  sentenced 
for  common  offenses. 

The  same  qualifications  shall  be 
required  of  judges  of  the  courts  of 
justice  that  may  be  established  by 
law. 

Art.  94.  No  judge  shall  be  sus- 
pended from  his  office  except  in 
the  cases  and  with  the  formalities 
provided  by  law,  nor  shall  he  be 
removed  except  by  virtue  of  a 
judicial  sentence. 


414 


REPUBLIC    OF    PANAMA. 


Art.  95.  La  ley  determinara  las 
causas  que  en  materia  criminal 
deban  decidirse  por  el  sistema  de 
jurados. 

Art.  96.  La  Republica  admi- 
nistra  gratuitamente  justicia  en 
todo  su  territorio. 

Art.  97.  La  ley  senalara  las 
asignaciones  a  los  empleados  del 
Poder  Judicial,  las  que  no  pod  ran 
ser  aumentadas  ni  disminuidas 
durante  el  periodo  para  el  cual 
hayan  sido  nombrados. 

TITUXO  X. 

DE  LA  FORMACION  DE  LAS  LEYES. 

Art.  98.  Las  leyes  tendran  ori- 
gen  en  la  Asamblea  Nacional,  a 
propuesta  de  alguno  de  sus  miem- 
bros,6de  losSecretariosdeEstado. 

Exceptuanse  de  esta  disposicion 
las  leyes  sobre  materia  civil  y  pro- 
cedimiento  judicial,  que  no  podran 
ser  moditicadas  sino  a  propuesta  de 
las  Comisiones  especiales  de  la 
Asamblea,  6  de  los  Magistrados  de 
la  Corte  Suprema  de  J  usticia. 

Art.  99.  Ningunactolegislativo 
sera  ley  si  no  ha  sido  aprobado  por 
la  Asamblea  Nacional  en  tres  de- 
bates, en  dias  distintos,  por  mayo- 
ria  absoluta  de  votos,  y  si  no  ha 
obtenido  la  sancion  del  Poder 
Ejecutivo. 

Art.  100.  No  podra  cerrarse  el 
segundo  debate  de  una  ley,  ni  ser 
votada  en  tercero,  sin  la  asistencia 
de  la  ma3roria  absoluta  de  los  indi- 
viduos  que  componen  el  total  de  la 
Asamblea. 

Art.  101.  Aprobado  un  proyecto 
de  ley  por  la  Asamblea,  pasara  al 
Poder  Ejecutivo,  y  si  6ste  lo  apro- 
bare  tambien,  dispondra  que  se 
promulgue  como  ley ;  si  no  lo  apro- 
bare,  lo  devolvera  con  objeciones 
a  la  Asamblea. 

Art.  102.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo 
dispone  del  termino  de  seis  dias 
para  devolver  con  objeciones  cual- 
quier  proyecto,   cuando    este   no 


Art.  95.  The  law  shall  deter- 
mine the  cases  of  criminal  charac- 
ter which  shall  be  tried  by  jury. 

Art.  96.  Justice  shall  be  ad- 
ministered gratuitously  through- 
out the  territory  of  the  Republic. 

Art.  97.  The  law  shall  deter- 
mine the  salaries  of  the  officers  of 
the  judiciary, and  such  salaries  shall 
neither  be  increased  or  decreased 
during  the  term  for  which  such 
officers  shall  have  been  appointed. 

TITLE  X. 

THE  MAKING  OF  LAWS. 

Art.  98.  Laws  shall  originate  in 
the  National  Assembly  at  the  sug- 
gestion of  its  members  or  of  the 
secretaries  of  state. 

Laws  concerning  civil  jurispru- 
dence and  judicial  procedure,  shall 
not  be  enacted  except  at  the  sug- 
gestion of  the  respective  standing 
committees  of  the  Assembly,  or  of 
the  justices  of  the  supreme  court. 

Art.  99.  No  legislative  act  shall 
become  law  until  it  shall  have  re- 
ceived the  approval  of  the  National 
Assembly  in  three  debates  on  sep- 
arate days,  a  majority  of  the  votes, 
and  the  sanction  of  the  Executive. 

Art.  100.  The  second  debate  on 
a  bill  shall  not  be  closed,  nor  shall 
the  bill  be  voted  on  in  a  third  de- 
bate, without  the  presence  of  a 
majority  of  the  members  compos- 
ing the  Assembly. 

Art.  101.  After  a  bill  is  passed 
by  the  Assembly  it  shall  be  sent  to 
the  Executive  and  if  approved,  it 
shall  be  promulgated  as  a  law.  If 
not  approved,  the  Executive  shall 
return  the  bill  to  the  Assembly 
with  a  statement  of  the  objections 
thereto. 

Art.  102.  The  Executive  has  six 
days  to  return  a  bill  with  its  ob- 
jections when  the  said  bill  shall 
consist  of  not  more  than  fifty  arti- 


CONSTITUTION. 


415 


conste  de  mas  de  cincuenta  arti- 
culos; de  diez  dias,  cuando  el  pro- 
yecto  contenga  de  cincuenta  y  uno 
a  doscientos  articulos,  y  hasta  de 
quince  dias,  cuando  los  articulos 
sean  mas  de  doscientos. 

Art.  103.  Si  el  Poder  Ejecutivo, 
una  vez  transcurridos  los  indicados 
terminos,  segun  el  caso,  no  hubiere 
devuelto  el  acto  legislativo  con 
objeciones,  no  podra  dejar  de  san- 
cionarlo  y  promulgarlo.  Pero  si 
la  Asamblea  se  pusiere  en  receso 
dentro  de  diclios  terminos,  el  Po- 
der  Ejecutivo  tendra  el  deber  de 
publicar  el  proyecto  sancionado  li 
objetado  dentro  de  los  diez  dias 
siguentes  a  aquel  en  que  la  Asam- 
blea Nacional  hajra  cerrado  sus 
sesiones. 

Art.  lOi.  El  proyecto  de  ley 
objetado  en  su  conjunto  por  el 
Poder  Ejecutivo,  volvera  a  la 
Asamblea  a  tercer  debate;  el  que 
fuere  objetado  solo  en  parte  sera 
reconsiderado  en  segundo  debate 
con  el  unico  objeto  de  tomar  en 
cuenta  las  objeciones  del  Poder 
Ejecutivo. 

Art.  105.  El  Poder  Ejecutivo 
sancionara  todo  proyecto  que,  re- 
considerado, fuere  adoptado  por 
dos  tercios  de  los  votos  de  los 
Diputados  presentes  al  debate, 
siempre  que  su  numero  no  fuere 
inferior  al  quorum  requerido. 

En  caso  de  que  el  Poder  Ejecu- 
tivo objetare  un  proyecto  por  in- 
constitucional,  y  la  Asamblea  in- 
sistiere  en  su  adopcion,  lo  pasara 
a  la  Corte  Suprema  de  Justicia 
para  que  esta,  dentro  de  seis  dias, 
decida  sobre  su  exequibilidad.  El 
fallo  afirmativo  de  la  Corte  obliga 
al  Poder  Ejecutivo  a  sancionar  y 
promulgar  la  ley.  Si  fuere  nega- 
tivo,  se  archivara  el  proyecto. 


Art.  106.  Si  el  Poder  Ejecutivo 
no  cumpliere  con  el  deber  de  san- 
cionar las  leyes  en  los  terminos  y 
segun    las  condiciones    que    este 


cles;  ten  days,  when  the  bill  con- 
tains from  fifty-one  to  two  hundred 
articles,  and  fifteen  days  when 
there  are  more  than  two  hundred 
articles. 

Art.  103.  If,  at  the  expiration 
of  those  terms,  the  Executive  fails 
to  return  the  bill,  with  its  objec- 
tions, the  bill  shall  become  a  law 
and  shall  be  promulgated.  But 
if  the  Assembly  adjourns  before 
the  expiration  of  the  said  terms,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Executive 
to  publish  the  bill,  whether  ap- 
proved or  objected  to,  within  ten 
days  after  the  date  of  adjourn- 
ment. 


Art.  104.  All  bills  objected  to 
in  their  entiretj7  by  the  Executive 
shall  be  reconsidered  by  the  As- 
sembly in  third  debate;  those  ob- 
jected to  only  in  part  shall  be 
reconsidered  in  second  debate  for 
the  sole  purpose  of  taking  the  ob- 
jection of  the  Executive  into  ac- 
count. 

Art.  105.  The  Executive  shall 
sanction  every  bill  which,  having 
been  reconsidered,  shall  be  passed 
by  a  two- thirds  vote  of  the  deputies 
present  at  the  debate,  provided 
that  their  number  be  not  less  than 
that  required  for  a  quorum. 

If  the  Executive  objects  to  a  bill 
on  the  ground  of  unconstitution- 
ality, and  the  National  Assembly 
insists  upon  its  passage,  the  bill 
shall  be  referred  to  the  supreme 
court,  which  shall  render  its  deci- 
sion within  six  days.  If  the  action 
of  the  Assembly  is  sustained  by 
the  court,  the  Executive  shall  be 
bound  to  sanction  and  promulgate 
the  bill  as  a  law;  if  the  bill  is  pro- 
nounced unconstitutional,  it  shall 
be  sent  to  the  archives. 

Art.  106.  If  the  Executive  fails 
to  sanction  the  laws  within  the 
time  and  under  the  conditions  set 
forth  in  this  title,  they  shall  be 


416 


REPUBLIC    OF   PANAMA. 


titulo  establece,  las  sancionara  y 
promulgara  el  Presidente  de  la 
Asamblea. 

Art.  107.  Toda  ley  sera  pro- 
mulgada  dentro  de  los  seis  dias 
siguientes  al  de  su  sancion. 

Art.  108.  Las  leyes  podran  ser 
motivadas,  y  al  texto  de  ella  pre- 
cedera  esta  formula:  "La  Asam- 
blea Nacional  de  Panama  decreta." 

Art.  109.  Los  proyectos  de  ley 
que  queden  pendientes  en  las  se- 
siones  de  un  ano,  no  podran  ser 
considerados  si  no  como  proyectos 
nuevos  en  otra  legislature. 

TITULO  XI. 

DEL  MINISTERIO  PUBLICO. 

Art.  110.  El  Ministerio  Publico 
sera  ejercido  por  un  Procurador 
General  de  la  Nacion,  por  los  Fis- 
cales  y  Personeros,  y  por  los  dermis 
funcionarios  que  designe  la  ley. 

Art.  111.  Corresponde  a  los 
funcionarios  del  Ministerio  Pu- 
blico defender  los  intereses  de  la 
Nacion;  promover  la  ejecucion  de 
las  leyes,  sentencias  judiciales  y 
disposiciones  administrativas;  su- 
pervigilar  la  conducta  oficial  de  los 
empleados  publicos,  y  perseguir 
los  delitos  y  contravenciones  que 
turben  el  orden  social. 

Art.  112.  El  periodo  de  dura- 
tion del  Procurador  General  de  la 
Nacion  sera  de  cuatro  afios. 

Art.  113.  Para  ser  Procurador 
General  de  la  Nacion  se  requieren 
las  mismas  calidades  que  para  ser 
Magistrado  de  la  Corte  Suprema 
de  Justicia. 

Art.  114.  Son  funciones  espe- 
ciales  del  Procurador  General  de 
la  Nacion: 

1.  Cuidar  de  que  todos  los  fun- 
cionarios publicos  al  servicio  de  la 
Nacion  desempenen  cumplida- 
mente  sus  deberes. 

2.  Acusar  ante  la  Corte  Su- 
prema a  los  funcionarios  cuyo 
juzgamiento  corresponda  a  esta 
Corporation. 


sanctioned  and  published  by  the 
president  of  the  Assembly. 

Art.  107.  Every  law  shall  be 
promulgated  within  six  days  after 
its  approval. 

Art.  108.  The  laws  may  be  ac- 
companied by  an  explanatory  pre- 
amble, and  their  enacting  clause 
shall  be  as  follows:  "The  National 
Assembly  of  Panama  decrees." 

Art.  109.  Bills  upon  which  no 
action  has  been  taken  at  a  session 
shall  not  be  reintroduced  except 
as  new  bills  in  another  session. 


title  XI. 
PUBLIC  PROSECUTION. 

Art.  110.  Public  prosecution 
shall  be  conducted  by  an  attorney- 
general  of  the  Nation,  by  the  pub- 
lic prosecutors  and  deputies,  and 
by  such  other  officers  as  the  law 
may  designate. 

Art.  111.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  officers  in  charge  of  public 
prosecution  to  defend  the  interests 
of  the  Nation;  to  see  to  the  enforce- 
ment of  the  laws,  execution  of  ju 
dicial  sentences  and  administra- 
tive orders;  to  watch  the  official 
acts  of  public  officials  and  to  prose- 
cute offenses  and  misdemeanors 
that  disturb  social  order. 

Art.  112.  The  term  of  office  of 
the  attorney-general  shall  be  four 
years. 

Art.  113.  The  same  qualifica- 
tions as  are  required  to  be  a  justice 
of  fehe  supreme  court  shall  be  re- 
quired to  be  attorney -general  of 
the  Nation. 

Art.  114.  The  special  duties  of 
the  attorne}7 -general  of  the  Nation 
shall  be: 

1.  To  see  that  all  the  public  offi- 
cials in  the  service  of  the  Nation 
properly  discharge  their  duties. 

2.  To  arraign  before  the  supreme 
court  such  officials  as  must  be  tried 
by  that  bod}\ 


CONSTITUTION. 


417 


3.  Cuidar  de  que  los  demas 
f  uncionarios  del  Ministerio  Publico 
desempenen  fielmente  su  encargo, 
3r  promover  que  se  les  exija  la  res- 
ponsabilidad  por  las  faltas  que 
cometan. 

4.  Nombrar  y  remover  libre- 
mente  a  los  empleados  de  su  in- 
mediata  dependencia,  y  las  demas 
que  le  atribuva  la  ley. 

TITULO  XII. 

DE  LA  HACIENDA  NACIONAL. 

Art.  115.  Pertenecen  a  la  Re- 
publics de  Panama: 

1.  Los  bienes  existentes  en  el 
territorio  que  por  cualquier  titulo 
pertenecieron  a  la  Republica  de 
Colombia. 

2.  Los  derechos  y  acciones  que 
la  Republica  de  Colombia  poseyo 
como  duena  dentro  6  fuera  d.el 
pais,  por  razon  de  la  soberania  que 
ejercio  sobre  el  territorio  del  Ist- 
mo  de  Panama. 

3.  Los  bienes,  rentas,  fiucas, 
valores,  derechos  y  acciones  que 
pertenecieron  al  extinguido  De- 
partamento  de  Panama. 

1.  Los  baldios  y  las  salinas;  y 
las  minas  de  filones  y  aluviones,  6 
de  cualquier  otro  genero,  y  .las  de 

f)iedras  preciosas,  sin  perjuicio  de 
os  derechos  legitimamente  adqui- 
ridos. 

Art.  116.  La  facultad  de  emitir 
moneda  de  curso  legal,  de  cual- 
quiera  clase  que  sea,  pertenece  a  la 
Nacion,  y  no  es  transferible.  No 
habra  Bancos  particulares  de  emi- 
sion. 

Art.  117.  No  podra  haber  en  la 
Republica  papel-moneda  de  curso 
forzoso.  En  consecuencia,  cual- 
quier individuo  puede  rechazar 
todo  billete  u  otra  cedula  que  no 
le  inspire  confianza,  }'a  sea  de  ori- 
gen  ofieial  6  particular. 

Art.  118.  No  sera  transferible 
en  la  Republica  la  propiedad  raiz 
a  Gobiernos  extranjeros,  salvo  lo 
estipulado  en  tratados  publicos. 


3.  To  see  that  the  other  officers 
of  public  prosecution  faithfully 
discharge  their  duties  and  to  take 
appropriate  action  to  hold  them  re- 
sponsible for  all  derelictions  com- 
mitted by  them. 

4.  To  appoint  and  remove  at  his 
discretion  all  his  immediate  sub- 
ordinates. And  such  other  duties 
as  the  law  may  ascribe  to  him. 

TITLE  XII. 

THE  NATIONAL  TREASURE. 

Art.  115.  The  Republic  of  Pan- 
ama holds  in  ownership: 

1 .  All  property  within  the  ter- 
ritory^ that  belonged,  by  whatso- 
ever title,  to  the  Republic  of  Co- 
lombia. 

2.  The  rights  and  actions  which 
the  Republic  of  Colombia  had 
within  or  without  the  county  b}T 
reason  of  the  sovereignty  it  exer- 
cised over  the  territory  of  the 
Isthmus  of  Panama. 

3.  The  property,  revenues, 
lands,  securities,  rights  and  actions 
that  belonged  to  the  former  De- 
partment of  Panama. 

4.  The  vacant  lands,  salt  depos- 
its, lode  and  placer  mines,  or 
mines  of  any  other  character,  and 
those  of  precious  stones,  without 
prejudice  to  lawfully  acquired 
rights. 

Art.  116.  The  power  of  coining 
money,  of  whatever  description, 
is  vested  in  the  Nation  and  can  not 
be  transferred.  There  shall  be  no 
private  banks  of  issue. 

Art.  117.  No  paper  money  shall 
be  made  legal  tender  in  the  Repub- 
lic. Consequently,  it  shall  be  op- 
tional for  any  one  to  refuse  notes 
or  other  certificates,  whether  it  be 
of  official  or  of  private  origin,  in 
which  he  has  no  confidence. 

Art.  118.  The  landed  property 
in  the  Republic  shall  not  be  trans- 
ferable to  foreign  governments, 
except  as  stipulated  in  public  trea- 
ties. 


360  a— vol  1—06- 


-■27 


418 


REPUBLIC    OF    PANAMA. 


Art.  119.  No  podra  hacerse  nin- 
gun  gasto  publico  que  no  hay  a  sido 
autorizado  por  la  ley. 

Tampoco  podra  transferase  nin- 
giin  credito  a  un  objeto  no  previsto 
en  el  respectivo  Presupuesto. 

Art.  120.  Cuando  haya  necesi- 
dad  de  hacer  un  gasto  imprescindi- 
ble,  a  juicio  del  Poder  Ejecutivo, 
estando  en  receso  la  Asamblea 
Nacional  y  no  habiendo  partida 
votada  6  siendo  esta  insuficiente, 
podra  abrirse  a  la  respectiva  Secre- 
taria  de  Estado  un  credito  suple- 
raental  6  extraordinario.    , 

Estos  creditos  se  abriran  por  el 
Consejo  de  Gabinete,  bajo  su  res- 
ponsabilidad  colectiva,  instru- 
yendo  para  ello  expediente  que 
lo  justifique. 

Corresponde  a,  la  Asamblea 
Nacional  la  legalizacion  de  estos 
creditos. 

Art.  121.  Ningunacontribucion 
indirecta  ni  aumento  de  iinpuesto 
de  esta  clase  empezara,  a  cobrarse 
sino  tres  meses  despues  de  pro- 
mulgada  la  ley  que  establezca  la 
contribucion  6  aumento. 

tItulo  xiii. 

DE  LA  FUERZA  PUBLICA. 

Art.  122.  Todos  los  panamenos 
estan  obligados  a  tomar  las  armas 
cuando  las  necesidades  publicas  lo 
requieran,  para  defender  la  inde- 
pendencia  nacional  }7  las  institucio- 
nes  patrias. 

La  ley  podra  determinar  las 
condiciones  que  eximan  del  ser- 
vicio  militar. 

Art.  123.  La  ley  organizara  el 
servicio  militar  y  de  la  Policia  Na- 
cional. 

Art.  124.  La  Nacion  podra  tener 
para  su  def  ensa  un  Ejercito  perma- 
nente. 

Queda  prohibido  el  reclutami- 
ento. 

Art.  125.  La  fuerza  piiblica  no 
es  deliberante.     No  podra  reunirse 


Art.  119.  No  expenditure  of 
public  money  shall  be  made  with- 
out authority  of  law. 

No  moneys  appropriated  for  one 
purpose  shall  be  applied  to  any 
other  purpose  not  provided  for  in 
the  Budget. 

Art.  120.  Should  the  necessity 
arise  to  make  an  expenditure, 
which  in  the  judgment  of  the  Ex- 
ecutive can  not  be  avoided,  during 
a  recess  of  the  National  Assembly 
and  for  which  no  fund  or  an  insuf- 
ficient fund  may  have  been  appro- 
priated, an  additional  or  extraor- 
dinary allowance  may  be  granted 
to  the  department  concerned. 

Such  allowance  shall  be  granted 
by  the  cabinet  council,  under  its 
joint  responsibility,  and  the  rea- 
sons for  this  action  shall  be  re- 
corded. 

The  approval  of  such  allow- 
ances appertains  to  the  National 
Assembly. 

Art.  121.  No  indirect  tax  shall 
be  collected  or  increased  until 
three  months  after  the  date  of  the 
promulgation  of  the  law  establish- 
ing the  same. 


TITLE  XIII. 
PUBLIC  FORCE. 

Art.  122.  All  citizens  of  Pana- 
ma are  bound  to  take  up  arms 
whenever  demanded  by  public  ne- 
cessity, for  the  defense  of  national 
independence  and  the  institutions 
of  the  country. 

The  law  shall  determine  the  ex- 
exemptions  from  military  service. 

Art.  123.  The  law  shall  organ- 
ize the  military  service  and  the 
national  police. 

Art.  1 24.  The  nation  may  main- 
tain a  standing  army  for  its  de- 
fense. 

Impressment  is  prohibited. 

Art.  125.  The  public  force  is 
not    a  deliberative  organization. 


CONSTITUTION. 


419 


sino  por  orden  de  la  autoridad  le- 
gitima,  ni  dirigir  peticiones  sino 
sobre  asuntos  que  se  relacionen 
con  el  buen  servicio  y  uioralidad 
del  Ejercito,  y  con  arreglo  a  las 
leyes  de  su  instituto. 

Art.  126.  De  los  delitos  come- 
tidos  por  los  militares  en  servicio 
activo,  y  en  relacion  con  el  mismo 
servicio,  conoceran  las  Cortes 
Marciales,  6  Tribunales  Militares, 
con  arreglo  a  las  disposiciones  del 
Codigo  Militar. 

Art.  127.  Solo  el  Gobierno  de 
la  Nacion  podra  importar  y  fabri- 
car  armas  y  elementos  de  guerra. 


It  shall  not  assemble  unless  by 
order  of  the  proper  authority,  and 
shall  not  make  petitions  except 
upon  subjects  relating  to  the  good 
service  and  the  morality  of  the 
arm}7,  and  in  accordance  with  the 
laws  of  their  establishment. 

Art.  126.  Offences  committed 
by  military  persons  while  on  active 
duty,  or  in  connection  therewith, 
shall  be  tried  by  courts-martial,  or 
military  courts,  in  accordance  with 
the  provisions  of  the  military  code. 

Art.  127.  The  National  Gov- 
ernment alone  shall  have  the  power 
to  import  and  manufacture  arms 
and  ammunition. 


TITULO  xrv. 

DE  LAS  PROVINCIAL 

Art.  128.  En  cada  Provincia 
habra  un  Gobernador,  de  libre 
nombramiento  y  remocion  del 
Presidente  de  la  Repiiblica,  con  las 
funciones  y  deberes  que  las  leyes 
determinen. 

Art.  129.  En  cada  Distrito  Mu- 
nicipal habra  una  Corporacion  que 
se  designara  con  el  nombre  de  Con- 
cejo  Municipal,  compuesta  del  nu- 
mero  de  miembros  que  la  ley  de- 
termine y  elegidos  directamente 
por  voto  popular. 

Art.  130.  Los  Distritos  Munici- 
pals son  autonomos  en  su  regi- 
men interior,  pero  no  podran  con- 
traer  deudas  sin  autorizacion  de  la 
Asamblea  Nacional. 

Art.  131.  Corresponde  a  los 
Concejos  Municipales  ordenar,  por 
medio  de  acuerdos  propios  6  de  re- 
glamentos  dictados  por  Juntas  6 
Comisiones  tecnicas,  lo  con  veniente 
para  la  administracion  del  Distrito; 
votar  las  contribuciones  y  gastos 
locales,  con  las  limitaciones  que 
establezca  el  sistema  tributario  na- 
cional, y  ejercer  las  demas  fun- 
ciones que  las  leyes  les  senalen. 

Art.  132.  Habra  en  cada  Dis- 
trito Municipal  un  Alcalde  nom- 


TITLE  XIV. 

PROVINCES. 

Art.  128.  There  shall  be  in  each 
Province  a  governor,  whose  ap- 
pointment and  removal  shall  be  at 
the  pleasure  of  the  President  of  the 
Republic,  and  whose  powers  and 
duties  shall  be  defined  by  law. 

Art.  129.  There  shall  be  in  each 
municipal  district  a  corporation 
that  shall  be  styled  municipal  coun- 
cil and  consist  of  the  number  of 
members  determined  by  law  and 
elected  directly  by  popular  vote. 

Art.  130.  Municipal  districts 
are  autonomous  as  to  their  inter- 
nal affairs,  but  they  can  not  contract 
debts  without  the  authorization  of 
the  National  Assembly. 

Art.  131.  The  municipal  coun- 
cils shall,  by  means  of  their  own 
resolutions  or  of  regulations  issued 
by  technical  boards  or  commis- 
sions, provide  all  that  may  be  neces  - 
sary  for  the  government  of  the 
district;  levy  local  taxes  and  make 
local  expenditures  within  the 
bounds  established  by  the  fiscal 
system  of  the  nation,  and  exercise 
such  other  functions  as  may  be 
ascribed  to  them  b}7  law. 

Art.  132.  There  shall  be  in  each 
municipal   district   a  mayor    ap- 


420 


REPUBLIC    OF    PANAMA. 


brado  en  la  forma  que  la  ley  esta- 
blezca,  al  cual  le  corresponde  la 
accion  administrativa  en  el  Munici- 
pio,  como  agente  del  Gobernador 
y  mandatario  del  pueblo. 

TfTULO  XV. 

DISPOSICIONES  GENERALES. 

Art.  133.  La  instruction  pri- 
maria  sera  obligatoria,  y  la  publica 
sera  gratuita.  Habra  escuelas  de 
artes  y  oficios  y  establecimientos 
de  ensenanza  secundaria  y  pro- 
fesional  a  cargo  de  la  Nation. 

La  ley  podra  descentralizar  la 
instruction  publica  y  destinarle 
rentas  especiales. 

Art.  134.  No  habra  en  Panama 
empleo  que  no  tenga  funciones 
detalladas  en  ley  6  reglamento; 
ningun  empleado  publico  podra 
recibir  dos  6  mas  sueldos  del  Tesoro 
National,  salvo  lo  que  para  casos 
especiales  dispongan  las  leyes. 


Art.  135.  Los  Ministros  de  los 
cultos  religiosos  no  podran  ejercer 
en  la  Republica  cargo,  empleo  6 
servicio  publico,  personal,  civil  6 
militar,  exceptuandose  los  destinos 
que  se  relacionen  con  la  beneficen- 
cia  6  ensenanza  publica. 

Art.  136.  El  Gobierno  de  los 
Estados  Unidos  de  America  podra 
intervenir,  en  cualquier  punto  de 
la  Republica  de  Panama,  para  res- 
tablecer  la  paz  publica  y  el  orden 
constitucional,  si  hubiere  sido  tur- 
bado,  en  el  caso  de  que  por  virtud 
de  tratado  publico  aquella  Nation 
asumiere,  o  hubiere  asumido,  la 
obligation  de  garantizar  la  inde- 
pendencia  y  soberania  de  esta  Re- 
publica. 

TITTJXO  XVI. 

DE  LA  REFORMA  DE  LA  CONSTI- 
TUCION. 

Art.  137.  Esta  Constitution 
podra  ser  reformada  por  un  acto 
legislativo  expedido  en  la  forma 


pointed  as  provided  by  law,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  discharge  admin- 
istrative functions  in  the  capacity 
of  agent  of  the  governor  and  man- 
datory of  the  people. 

TITLE  XV. 

GENERAL  PROVISIONS. 

Art.  133.  Primary  instruction 
shall  be  compulsory,  and,  when 
public,  shall  be  free.  There  shall 
also  be  schools  of  arts  and  trades 
and  institutions  of  secondary  and 
professional  instruction  under 
Government  control. 

The  law  may  decentralize  pub- 
lic instruction  and  shall  assign  to 
it  special  revenues. 

Art.  134.  There  shall  be  in 
Panama  no  office  whose  powers 
and  duties  shall  not  be  particular- 
ized by  law  or  regulations,  and  no 
public  officer  shall  receive  two  or 
more  salaries  from  the  public 
treasury  except  under  the  provi- 
sions that  may  be  made  by  law  in 
special  cases. 

Art.  135.  Ministers  of  the 
church  shall  not  hold  any  office, 
employment,  or  public  trust  in  the 
Republic,  whether  personal,  civil, 
or  military,  excepting  such  posi- 
tions as  are  connected  with  charity 
or  public  instruction. 

Art.  136.  The  Government  of 
the  United  States  of  America  shall 
have  the  power  to  intervene  in  any 
part  of  the  Republic  of  Panama 
to  reestablish  public  peace  and  con- 
stitutional order,  in  the  event  of 
their  being  disturbed,  if  the  said 
Government,  by  public  treaty,  as- 
sumes the  obligation  of  guarantee- 
ing the  independence  and  sover- 
eignty of  this  Republic. 

TITLE  XVI. 

AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  CONSTITU- 
TION. 

Art.  137.  This  Constitution  may 
be  amended  through  a  legislative 
measure  enacted  in   legal   form, 


CONSTITUTION. 


421 


legal,  transmitido  por  el  Gobierno 
a  la  Asamblea  Nacional  ordinaria 
subsiguiente  para  su  examen  defi- 
nitive, debatido  de  nuevo  por  esta 
y  aprobado  por  dos  tercios  del 
nurnero  de  miembros  que  com- 
pongan  la  Asamblea. 

TTTTJXO  XVII. 

DISPOSICIONES  TRANSITORIAS. 

Art.  138.  Para  asegurar  a  la 
posteridad  parte  de  los  beneficios 
pecuniarios  que  se  reciban  por  la 
negociacion  para  la  apertura  del 
canal  interoceanico,  se  reserva  la 
cantidad  deseismillones  de  dollars, 
que  seran  in  vertidos  en  seguridades 
que  produzcan  renta  fija  anual. 
La  le}r  reglamentara  esta  inversion. 

Art.  139.  La  ley  solo  podra  im- 
poner  la  pena  de  muerte  por  el 
delito  de  homicidio  cuando  revista 
caracteres  atroces.  Esto,  mientras 
no  existan  buenos  establecimientos 
de  castigo  6  verdaderas  peniten- 
ciarias  en  la  Republica. 

Art.  140.  El  primer  Presidente 
de  la  Republica  sera  elegido  por 
la  Convencion  Nacional  por  mayo- 
ria  absoluta  de  votos  el  mismo  dia 
en  que  se  promulgue  esta  Consti- 
tucion.  Podra  tomar  posesion  del 
puesto  inmediatamente  y  ejercera 
sus  funciones  hasta  el  treinta  de 
Septiembre  de  mil  novecientos 
ocho. 

Los  Designados  seran  elegidos 
el  mismo  dia  en  que  se  elija  el 
titular,  3T  su  periodo  terminara  el 
treinta  de  Septiembre  de  mil  no- 
vecientos seis. 

Art.  141.  Podra  ser  elegido 
primer  Presidente  constitucional 
de  la  Republica  de  Panama  cual- 
quier  ciudadano  que,  sin  ser  pana- 
meiio  de  nacimiento,  hubiere  to- 
rnado parte  activa  en  la  indepen- 
dencia  de  ella. 

Art.  142.  Tan  pronto  como  esta 
Constitucion  sea  sancionada  por  la 
Junta  de  Gobierno  Provisional  de 


transmitted  by  the  Government  to 
the  next  ordinary  National  As- 
sembly for  its  final  consideration, 
discussed  anew  by  the  latter  and 
approved  by  two-thirds  of  the 
members  constituting  the  Assem- 
bly. 

TITLE  XVII. 

TRANSIENT  PROVISIONS. 

Art.  138.  In  order  to  secure  for 
posterity  a  part  of  the  pecuniary 
advantages  derived  from  the  nego- 
tiations for  the  construction  of 
the  interoceanic  canal,  the  sum  of 
six  million  dollars  is  hereby  set 
aside  for  investment  in  securities 
bearing  a  fixed  annual  interest. 
The  said  investment  shall  be  reg- 
ulated by  law. 

Art.  139.  The  penalty  of  death 
shall  only  be  imposed  for  murder 
when  accompanied  by  circum- 
stances of  atrocious  character;  and 
this  shall  be  done  only  as  long  as 
the  Republic  has  no  good  penal 
establishments  or  real  peniten- 
tiaries. 

Art.  140.  The  first  President  of 
the  Republic  shall  be  elected  by 
the  national  convention  by  ma- 
jority of  votes  on  the  day  of  the 
promulgation  of  this  Constitution. 
He  shall  enter  at  once  upon  the 
discharge  of  his  duties  and  shall 
continue  therein  until  the  thirtieth 
of  September,  nineteen  hundred 
and  eight. 

The  "designados"  shall  be 
elected  on  the  same  day  as  the 
President,  and  their  term  of  office 
shall  expire  on  the  thirtieth  of  Sep- 
tember, nineteen  hundred  and  six. 

Art.  141.  Any  citizen  who  has 
taken  an  active  part  in  securing 
the  independence  of  the  Republic 
may,  even  if  not  a  Panamans  by 
birth,  be  elected  President  of  the 
Republic. 

Art.  142.  As  soon  as  this  Con- 
stitution is  sanctioned  by  the  board 
of  provisional  government  of  th.e 


422 


REPUBLIC    OF    PANAMA. 


la  Republica,  la  Convencion  per- 
dera  el  canicter  de  tal  y  asumira 
todas  las  funciones  atribuidas  :i  la 
Asamblea  Nacional,  sin  que  por 
esto  comprenda  a  los  convencio- 
nales  la  prohibicion  establecida  en 
el  articulo  64. 

Art.  143.  Antes  de  la  fecha  en 
que  debe  reunirse  la  primera 
!  Asamblea  Nacional  volvera  a  ejer- 
cer  las  funeiones  legislativas  la 
Convencion  Nacional  Constituyen- 
te,  cuando  sea  convocada  a  reunio- 
nes  extraordinarias  por  el  Poder 
Ejecutivo. 

Art.  144.  La  primera  Asamblea 
Nacional  se  reunira  el  primero  de 
Septiembre  de  mil  novecientos  seis. 

Art.  145.  Ratificanse  expresa- 
mente  todos  los  actos  expedidos 
por  la  Junta  de  Gobierno  Provi- 
sional desde  el  tres  de  Noviembre 
de  mil  novecientos  tres  hasta  el 
quince  de  Enero  del  presente  ano. 

Art.  146.  Los  monopolios  exis- 

(  tentes  y  demas  privilegios  conti- 

■  nuaran  hasta  la  terminacion  de  los 

j  respectivos  contratos  legitimos,  si 

j  no  fuere  posible  celebrar  con  los 

concesionarios    convenios   equita- 

tivos  para  su  terminacion   inme- 

diata. 

Art.  147.  Todas  las  le3res,  decre- 
tos,  reglamentos,  ordenes  y  demas 
disposiciones  que  estuvieren  en 
vigor  al  promulgarse  esta  Consti- 
tucion,  continuar&n  observandose 
en  cuanto  no  se  opongan  a  ella,  ni 
a  las  leyes  de  la.  Republica  de 
Panama. 

Art.  148.  Esta  Constitution  co- 
menzara  a  regir,  para  los  altos 
Poderes  Nacionales,  desde  el  dia 
en  que  sea  sancionada;  y  para  la 
Republica,  quince  dias  despues  de 
su  publicacion  en  la  Gaceta  Olicial. 


Dada  en  la  ciudad  de  Panama,  a 
trece  de  Febrero  de  mil  novecien- 
tos cuatro. 


Republic,  the  convention  shall  re- 
solve itself  into  a  National  Assem- 
bly, the  prohibition  contained  in 
article  64  not  appl}Ting  to  the  del- 
egates to  the  convention. 


Art.  143.  Before  the  date  on 
which  the  first  National  Assem- 
bly is  to  meet,  the  constitutional 
national  convention  shall  again 
exercise  the  legislative  functions 
whenever  it  may  be  called  in 
extraordinary  session  by  the  Ex- 
ecutive. 

Art.  144.  The  first  National  As- 
sembly shall  meet  on  the  first  of 
September,  nineteen  hundred  and 
six. 

Art.  145.  All  the  acts  of  the 
board  of  provisional  government 
from  the  third  of  November,  nine- 
teen hundred  and  three,  to  the 
fifteenth  of  January  of  the  pres- 
ent year,  are  hereby  expressly 
ratified. 

Art.  146.  Existing  monopolies 
and  other  privileges  shall  continue 
until  the  expiration  of  the  con- 
tracts on  which  the}7  are  founded, 
unless  it  is  found  possible  to  reach 
some  equitable  agreements  with 
the  possessors  thereof  for  their 
immediate  termination. 

Art.  147.  All  laws,  decrees, 
regulations,  orders,  or  other  dis- 
positions which  may  be  in  force 
at  the  time  this  Constitution  is 
promulgated,  shall  continue  to  be 
observed,  unless  they  are  contrary 
to  it  or  to  the  laws  of  the  Repub- 
lic of  Panama. 

Art.  148.  This  Constitution 
shall  take  effect,  as  far  as  the  su- 
preme branches  of  the  Govern- 
ment are  concerned,  from  the  day 
on  which  it  is  sanctioned;  and  as 
far  as  the  Republic  is  concerned, 
fifteen  days  after  its  publication 
in  the  Official  Gazette. 

Given  in  the  city  of  Panama,  on 
the  thirteenth  day  of  February, 
nineteen  hundred  and  four. 


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